Methods for the treatment of metabolic and glucose utilization disorders through the administration of oxadiazolones and derivatives thereof as peroxisome proliferator - activated receptor (ppar) delta agonists

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to oxadiazolones and to their physiologically acceptable salts and physiologically functional derivatives showing PPARdelta agonist activity. 
     What is described are compounds of the formula I, 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     in which the radicals are as defined, and their physiologically acceptable salts and processes for their preparations. The compounds are suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization disorders as well as of disorders in which insulin resistance is involved; neurodegenerative diseases and/or de-myelinating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and/or neurological diseases involving neuro-inflammatory processes and/or other peripheral neuropathies.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/535,266 filed onSep. 26, 2006 which is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/EP2005/002950 filed on Mar. 19, 2005 which is incorporated herein byreference in its' entirety which also claims the benefit of priority ofEuropean Patent Application No. 04/007879.2 filed on Apr. 1, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds useful in the treatment of metabolicdisorders and diseases affecting the central nervous system. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to oxadiazolones and totheir physiologically acceptable salts and physiologically functionalderivatives that exhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptordelta (PPARdelta) agonist activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transducerproteins belonging to the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptor superfamily.The PPARs were originally identified as orphan receptors without knownligands, but were known for their ability to mediate the pleiotropiceffects of fatty acid peroxisome proliferators. These receptors functionas ligand-regulated transcription factors that control the expression oftarget genes by binding to their responsive DNA sequences asheterodimers with RXR. The target genes encode enzymes involved in anumber of metabolic and cell growth/cell proliferation/celldifferentiation inductions. These then provide targets for thedevelopment of therapeutic agents for the treatment of metabolic andcentral nervous system disorders, among others.

PPAR agonists are well known and have been described in the prior art,see U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,995 to De La Brouse-Elwood et. al.; WO 03/043997to Johnston et. al. and WO 01/00603 and WO 02/092590 to Keil et. al.).Compounds comprising an oxadiazolone feature as inhibitors of factor Xawere disclosed in DE 101 12 768 A1 and oxodiazolones have also beendescribed as oral hypoglycemic agents in WO 96/13264.

The present invention then, comprises compounds which providetherapeutic variable moderation of lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolismand are thus suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of diseasessuch as type-2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and the diverse disease statesthat are a result thereof. Another purpose of the invention is to treatneurodegenerative diseases and/or demyelinating disorders of the centraland peripheral nervous systems and/or neurological diseases involvinginflammation of the central nervous system and/or other peripheralneuropathies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a series of compounds which moderate theactivity of peroxisome proliferators—activated receptors (PPAR) has beenfound. The compounds are suitable in particular for activating PPARdeltaand PPARalpha receptors, however the extent of the relative activationof the receptor will vary depending on the specific compoundadministered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compounds of the present invention are generically described by formulaI, below:

wherein,

X is —CH₂ or a bond;

-   R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group    comprising H, F, Cl, Br, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,    (C0-C₄)alkylene-O—(C0-C₄)alkylene-H, SCH₃, S(O)CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃, CN,    —OCF₃, —OCHF₂, and —OCH₂F;    Z is a bond or —CH₂;

Y is O, —S—, —S(O) or —S(O)₂; W is —CH₂ or —CH₂CH₂;

one of U and V is N the other is —S— or —O—;

-   R₅ is selected from the group comprising of (C₁-C₈) alkyl,    (C₁-C₆)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄) alkylene-H, (C₀-C₆)alkylene-phenyl,    (C₁-C₆)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-phenyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl,    (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, and where (C₁-C₈)alkyl or alkylene can be    substituted 1-2 times by —OH or —O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl;-   R₆, R₇ are independently selected from the group comprising H, F,    Br, —CF₃, —OCF₃, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₀-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H,    —SCF₃, —SF₅, —OCF₂—CHF₂, —OCHF₂, —OCH₂F, O-phenyl, phenyl, NO₂;    as well as their physiologically acceptable salts and tautomeric    forms.-   Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    in which X is a bond.    Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    wherein one or more substituents have the following meaning:    U is S and,

V is N or U is —N— and V is —S— or

u is —O— and,

V is —N— or U is —N— and V is —O—;

and/or

U is —S—, V is —N—,

Z is a bond;and/or

U is N, V is O,

Z is a bond,X is a bond;and/orX is a bond,Z is a bond;and/orR₆ is in para position;and/orR₇ is H or F, preferably H;and/orR₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, and,

-   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃,    (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₀-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H, —SCH₃, S(O)CH₃,    S(O)₂CH₃, —CN;    and/or    Y is O or S, preferably O;    and/or

W is CH₂

and/orR₅ is (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H or (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-phenyl, where alkylene can be substituted byO—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H.Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I inwhichX is a bond or CH₂, preferably a bond;R₁ is selected from the group comprising H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃,(C₁-C₄)alkyl, O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl, SCH₃, S(O)CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃, CN;

R₂ is H or F;

R₃ is H, Br or O—(C₁-C₄) alkyl;

R₄ is H;

Z is a bond or CH₂, preferably a bond;Y is O, S, S(O) or S(O)2, preferably O;W is CH₂ or CH₂CH₂, preferably CH₂;

U is —S— and V is —N— or U is —N— and V is —S— or U is —N— and V is O;

-   R₅ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, wherein the (C₁-C₆)alkyl can    be substituted 1-2 times by —OH;    R₆ is in para position and is CF₃, SF₅, OCH₃, phenyl;

R7 is H or F.

Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I inwhichX is a bond;

R₁ is —Cl or —CH₃; R₂, R₃ and R₄ are H;

Z is a bond;

Y is O; W is —CH₂; U is —S— and V is N or U is N and V is O or U is Oand V is N;

R₅ is (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-H, preferablyCH₂—O—(C₁-C₃)alkylene-H, or (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-phenyl,where alkylene can be substituted by O—-(C₁-C₄)alkyl, preferably methoxyor ethoxy;R₆ is in para position and —CF₃ or —OCH₃;

R₇ is H.

Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I inwhichR₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group comprising H, F, Cl,Br, —OCH₃, SCH₃, —CF₃, —CH₃, —CN, S(O)CH₃ and, S(O)₂CH₃;X is a bond andZ is a bond;or

X is CH₂,

Z is a bond and

W is CH₂;

orX is a bond and

W is CH₂;

R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group comprising H and—OCH₃;R₆ is in the para position and is H, F, CF₃, CH₃, SF₅, OCH₃ and phenyl;

R₇ is H.

Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I inwhichX is a bond;

R₁ is OCH₃ or F; R₂, R₃ and R₄ are H;

Z is a bond;

Y is O or S; W is —CH₂ or —CH₂CH₂; U is S and V is N or U is N and V isS or U is O and V is N or U is N and V is O;

R₅ is selected from the group comprising (C₁-C₄)alkyl,(C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-H or(C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-phenyl, where alkylene can besubstituted by O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl;R₆ is in para position and is CF3 or OCH3;

R₇ is H.

Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I inwhichX is a bond or CH₂;

-   R₁ is selected from the group comprising H, F, Cl, Br, —OCH₃, SCH₃,    CF₃, CH₃, CN, S(O)CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃;

R₂ is H, F;

R₃ is selected from the group comprising H, OCH₃, Br;

R₄ is H;

Z is a bond or CH₂;Y is selected from the group comprising O, S, S(O) or S(O)₂;

W is —CH₂ or —CH₂CH₂; U is S and V is N or U is N and V is S;

-   R₅ is selected from the group comprising (C₁-C₄)alkyl or    (C₂-C₄)alkenyl, where (C₁-C₄)alkyl can be substituted 1-2 times by    —OH, e.g. —CH₂CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH or CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH or-   R₅ is selected from the group comprising    (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-H or    (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-phenyl, where alkylene can be    substituted by O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl, preferably methoxy or ethoxy;-   R₆ is para-CF₃ or p-SF₅; and-   R₇ is H.    Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    in which    X is a bond;

R₁ is Cl or —CH₃; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H;

Z is a bond;

Y is —O—; W is —CH₂; U is N and V is O or U is O and V is N;

-   R₅ is selected from the group comprising (C₁-C₄)alkyl,    (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-H or    (C₁-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₁-C₄)alkylene-phenyl, where alkylene can be    substituted by O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl, preferably methoxy or ethoxy;-   R₆ is para-OCH₃ or p-phenyl; and-   R₇ is H.    Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    in which    R₁ is F, Cl, —CH₃, —OCH₃, preferably F, Cl.    Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    in which    R₅ is (C₁-C₄)alkyl.    Another embodiment of this invention is a compound of the formula I    in which    R₆ is selected from the group comprising CF₃, SF₅, phenyl, OCH₃,    preferably CF₃. The most preferred compounds of the present claimed    invention are:-   3-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{3-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one-   3-(4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2,6-difluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-pheny}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Bromo-4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methoxy-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-But-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(4-hydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3,4-dihydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   5-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-benzonitrile-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfinyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methanesulfonyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethanesulfinyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfonyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-[4-(2-Biphenyl-4-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-2-chloro-phenyl]-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-(2-Chloro-4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[5-Methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[5-(2-Methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-(2-Ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Ethoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-Benzyloxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[5-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[5-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-Chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{5-Bromo-2-methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{4-[4-(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one-   3-{2-chloro-4-[4-(3-hydroxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

This invention also encompasses all combinations of preferred aspects ofthe invention described herein.

The alkyl and alkenyl radicals in the substituents R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅,R₆ and R₇ may be either straight-chain or branched.

The compounds of the formula I may exist in the form of their racemates,racemic mixtures, pure enantiomers, diastereomers and mixtures ofdiastereomers as well in their tautomeric forms. The present inventionencompasses all these isomeric and tautomeric forms of the compounds ofthe formula I as well as mixtures thereof. These isomeric forms can beobtained by known methods even if not specifically described in somecases.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are particularly suitable for medicalapplications, because their solubility in water is greater than that ofthe initial or basic compounds. These salts must have a pharmaceuticallyacceptable anion or cation charge. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts of the compounds of the invention are salts ofinorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic, phosphoric,metaphosphoric, nitric and sulfuric acid, and of organic acids such as,for example, acetic acid, benzene sulfonic, benzoic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glycolic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic,maleic, malic, methane sulfonic, succinic, p-toluenesulfonic andtartaric acid. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable basic salts areammonium salts, alkali metal salts (such as sodium and potassium salts),alkaline earth metal salts (such as magnesium and calcium salts), andsalts of trometamol (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol),di-ethanolamine, lysine or ethylenediamine.

Salts with a pharmaceutically unacceptable anion are such as, forexample, trifluoroacetate likewise fall within the scope of theinvention as useful intermediates for the preparation or purification ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or for use in non-therapeutic, forexample in vitro, applications.

The term “physiologically functional derivative” used herein refers toany physiologically tolerated derivative of a compound of the formula Iof the invention, for example an ester, which on administration to amammal such as, for example, a human, is able to form (directly orindirectly) a compound of the formula I or an active metabolite thereof.

Physiologically functional derivatives also include prodrugs of thecompounds of the invention, as described, for example, in H. Okada etal., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1994, 42, 57-61. Such prodrugs can bemetabolized in vivo to a compound of the invention. These prodrugsthemselves may be active or not.

The compounds of the invention may also exist in various polymorphousforms, for example as amorphous and crystalline polymorphous forms. Allpolymorphous forms of the compounds of the invention fall within thescope of the invention and are a further aspect of the invention.

All references to “compound(s) of formula I” hereinafter refer tocompound(s) of the formula I as described above, and their salts,solvates and physiologically functional derivatives as described herein.

Use

This invention relates further to the use of compounds of the formula Iand their pharmaceutical compositions as peroxisomeproliferators—activator receptor (PPAR) ligands. The PPAR ligands of theinvention are suitable as modulators of PPAR activity.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transcriptionfactors which can be activated by ligands and belong to the class ofnuclear hormone receptors. There are three PPAR isoforms, PPARalpha,PPARgamma and PPARdelta (identical to PPARbeta), which are encoded bydifferent genes (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR):structure, mechanisms of activation and diverse functions: Motojima K.,Cell Struct Funct., 1993, 18(5), 267-77).

In humans, PPARgamma exists in three variants, PPARgamma₁, gamma₂, andgamma₃, which are the result of alternative use of promoters anddifferential mRNA splicing. Different PPARs have different tissuedistribution and modulate different physiological functions. The PPARsplay a key role in various aspects of the regulation of a large numberof genes, the products of which genes are directly or indirectlycrucially involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, forexample, the PPARalpha receptor plays an important part in theregulation of fatty acid catabolism or lipoprotein metabolism in theliver, while PPARgamma is crucially involved for example in regulatingadipose cell differentiation. In addition, however, PPARs are alsoinvolved in the regulation of many other physiological processes,including those which are not directly connected with carbohydrate orlipid metabolism. The activity of different PPARs can be modulated byvarious fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives and synthetic compounds tovarying extents. For relevant reviews about functions, physiologicaleffects and pathophysiology, see: Berger, J. et al., Annu. Rev. Med.,2002, 53, 409-435; Wilson, T. et al., J. Med. Chem., 2000, 43 (4),527-550; Kliewer, S. et al., Recent Prog Horm Res., 2001, 56, 239-63;Moller, D. E. and Berger, J. P., Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord., 2003,27 Suppl 3, 17-21; Ram, V. J., Drugs Today, 2003, 39(8), 609-32).

Among the three PPAR-isoforms the physiological functions of PPARdeltahave long remained an enigma. The first proposed pharmacological rolefor PPARdelta has been the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. It wasshown that the somewhat selective PPARdelta ligand L-165041 raisesplasma cholesterol in a diabetic animal model (Berger J. et al., J.Biol. Chem., 1999, 274, 6718-6725; Leibowitz M. D. et al., FEBS Lett.,2000, 473(3), 333-336). In obese, insulin resistant rhesus monkeys, thepotent and selective PPARdelta ligand GW501516 raises HDL-cholesterol,decreases plasma LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin levels(Oliver, W. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2001, 98, 5306-5311). Thedual PPARdelta/PPARalpha agonist YM-16638 significantly lowers plasmalipids in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys (Goto, S. et al., Br. J. Pharm.,1996, 118, 174-178) and acts in a similar manner in two weeks clinicaltrials in healthy volunteers (Shimokawa, T. et al., Drug Dev. Res.,1996, 38, 86-92). More recent publications underline that PPARdelta isan important target for the treatment of dyslipidemia, insulinresistance, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and syndrom X (Wang, Y-X.et al., Cell, 2003, 113, 159-170; Luquet, S. et al., FASEB J., 2003, 17,209-226; Tanaka, T. et al., PNAS, 2003, 100, 15924-15929; Holst, D. etal., BioChem. Biophys. Acta, 2003, 1633, 43-50; Dressel, U. et al., Mol.Endocrin., 2003, 17, 2477-2493; Lee, C. H. et al., Science, 2003, 302,453-457).

Besides its actions as a regulator of the lipid-, glucose- andcholesterol-metabolism PPARdelta is known to play a role in embryonicdevelopment, implantation and bone formation (Lim, H. and Dey, S. K.,Trends Endocrinol Metab., 2000,11(4), 137-42; Ding, N. Z. et al., MolReprod Dev., 2003, 66(3), 218-24; Mano, H. et al., J Biol. Chem., 2000,275(11), 8126-32).

Numerous publications demonstrate that PPARdelta is triggeringproliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes which points to itsrole in skin disorders and wound healing (Di-Poi, N. et al., J SteroidBiochem Mol. Biol., 2003, 85(2-5), 257-65; Tan, N. S. et al., Am J ClinDermatol., 2003,4(8), 523-30; Wahli, W., Swiss Med. Wkly., 2002,132(7-8), 83-91).

PPARdelta appears to be significantly expressed in the CNS; however muchof its function there still remains undiscovered. Of singular interesthowever, is the discovery that PPARdelta was expressed in rodentoligodendrocytes, the major lipid producing cells of the CNS (J.Granneman, et al., J. Neurosci. Res., 1998, 51, 563-573). Moreover, itwas also found that a PPARdelta selective agonist was found tosignificantly increase oligodendroglial myelin gene expression andmyelin sheath diameter in mouse cultures (I. Saluja et al., Glia, 2001,33, 194-204). Thus, PPARdelta activators may be of use for the treatmentof demyelinating and dysmyelinating diseases.

Demyelinating conditions are manifested in loss of myelin, the multipledense layers of lipids and protein which cover many nerve fibers. Theselayers are provided by oligodendroglia in the central nervous system(CNS), and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Inpatients with demyelinating conditions, demyelination may beirreversible; it is usually accompanied or followed by axonaldegeneration, and often by cellular degeneration. Demyelination canoccur as a result of neuronal damage or damage to the myelinitself—whether due to aberrant immune responses, local injury, ischemia,metabolic disorders, toxic agents, or viral infections (Prineas andMcDonald, Demyelinating Diseases. In Greenfield's Neuropathology,6.sup.th ed. (Edward Arnold: New York, 1997) 813-811, Beers and Berkow,eds., The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17.sup.th ed.(Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999) 1299,1437, 1473-76, 1483). Central demyelination (demyelination of the CNS)occurs in several conditions, often of uncertain etiology, that havecome to be known as the primary demyelinating diseases. Of these,multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent. Other primarydemyelinating diseases include adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD),adrenomyeloneuropathy, AIDS-vacuolar myelopathy, HTLV-associatedmyelopathy, Leber's hereditary optic atrophy, progressive multifocalleukoencephalopathy (PML), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis,Guillian-Barre syndrome and tropical spastic paraparesis. In addition,there are acute conditions in which demyelination can occur in the CNS,e.g., acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and acute viralencephalitis. Furthermore, acute transverse myelitis, a syndrome inwhich an acute spinal cord transection of unknown cause affects bothgray and white matter in one or more adjacent thoracic segments, canalso result in demyelination. Also, disorders in which myelin formingglial cells are damaged including spinal cord injuries, neuropathies andnerve injury.

The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I suitable formodulating the activity of PPARs, especially the activity of PPARdeltaand PPARalpha. Depending on the modulation profile, the compounds of theformula I are suitable for the treatment, control and prophylaxis of theindications described hereinafter, and for a number of otherpharmaceutical applications connected thereto (see, for example, Berger,J., et al., Annu. Rev. Med., 2002, 53, 409-435; Wilson, T. et al., J.Med. Chem., 2000, 43(4), 527-550; Kliewer, S. et al., Recent Prog HormRes., 2001, 56, 239-63; Fruchart, J. C. et al., 2001, PharmacologicalResearch, 44(5), 345-52; Kersten, S. et al., Nature, 2000, 405, 421-424;Torra, I. P. et al., Curr Opin Lipidol, 2001, 12, 245-254).

Compounds of this type are particularly suitable for the treatmentand/or prevention of:

-   1. Disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization    disorders.    -   Disorders in which insulin resistance is involved-   2. Diabetes mellitus, especially type-2 diabetes, including the    prevention of the sequelae associated therewith.    -   Particular aspects in this connection are        -   hyperglycemia,        -   improvement in insulin resistance,        -   improvement in glucose tolerance,        -   protection of the pancreatic β cells        -   prevention of macro- and microvascular disorders-   3. Dyslipidemias and their sequelae such as, for example,    atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders    etc, especially those (but not restricted thereto) which are    characterized by one or more of the following factors:    -   high plasma triglyceride concentrations, high postprandial        plasma triglyceride concentrations,    -   low HDL cholesterol concentrations    -   low ApoA lipoprotein concentrations    -   high LDL cholesterol concentrations    -   small dense LDL cholesterol particles    -   high ApoB lipoprotein concentrations-   4. Various other conditions which may be associated with the    metabolic syndrome, such as:    -   obesity (excess weight), including central obesity    -   thromboses, hypercoagulable and prothrombotic states (arterial        and venous)    -   high blood pressure    -   heart failure such as, for example (but not restricted thereto),        following myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease or        cardiomyopathy-   5. Disorders or conditions in which inflammatory reactions are    involved:    -   atherosclerosis such as, for example (but not restricted        thereto), coronary sclerosis including angina pectoris or        myocardial infarction, stroke    -   vascular restenosis or reocclusion    -   chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as, for example,        Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis    -   asthma    -   lupus erythematosus (LE) or inflammatory rheumatic disorders        such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis    -   other inflammatory states-   6. Disorders of cell cycle or cell differentiation processes:    -   adipose cell tumors    -   lipomatous carcinomas such as, for example, liposarcomas    -   solid tumors and neoplasms such as, for example (but not        restricted thereto), carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract,        of the liver, of the biliary tract and of the pancreas,        endocrine tumors, carcinomas of the lungs, of the kidneys and        the urinary tract, of the genital tract, prostate carcinomas etc    -   acute and chronic myeloproliferative disorders and lymphomas    -   angiogenesis-   7. Neurodegenerative diseases and/or demyelinating disorders of the    central and peripheral nervous systems and/or neurological diseases    involving neuroinflammatory processes and/or other peripheral    neuropathies:    -   Alzheimer's disease    -   multiple sclerosis    -   Parkinson's disease    -   adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)    -   adrenomyeloneuropathy    -   AIDS-vacuolar myelopathy    -   HTLV-associated myelopathy    -   Leber's hereditary optic atrophy    -   progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)    -   subacute sclerosing panencephalitis    -   Guillian-Barre syndrome    -   tropical spastic paraparesis    -   acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)    -   acute viral encephalitis    -   acute transverse myelitis    -   spinal cord and brain trauma    -   Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-   8. Skin disorders and/or disorders of wound healing processes:    -   erythemato-squamous dermatoses such as, for example, psoriasis    -   acne vulgaris    -   other skin disorders and dermatological conditions which are        modulated by PPAR    -   eczemas and neurodermitis    -   dermatitis such as, for example, seborrheic dermatitis or        photodermatitis    -   keratitis and keratoses such as, for example, seborrheic        keratoses, senile keratoses, actinic keratosis, photo-induced        keratoses or keratosis follicularis    -   keloids and keloid prophylaxis    -   warts, including condylomata or condylomata acuminata    -   human papilloma viral (HPV) infections such as, for example,        venereal papillomata, viral warts such as, for example,        molluscum contagiosum, leukoplakia    -   papular dermatoses such as, for example, Lichen planus    -   skin cancer such as, for example, basal-cell carcinomas,        melanomas or cutaneous T-cell lymphomas    -   localized benign epidermal tumors such as, for example,        keratoderma, epidermal naevi    -   chilblains    -   wound healing-   9. Other disorders    -   high blood pressure    -   pancreatitis    -   syndrome X    -   polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)    -   asthma    -   osteoarthritis    -   lupus erythematosus (LE) or inflammatory rheumatic disorders        such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis    -   vasculitis    -   wasting (cachexia)    -   gout    -   ischemia/reperfusion syndrome    -   acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Formulations

The amount of a compound of formula I necessary to achieve the desiredbiological effect depends on a number of factors, for example thespecific compound chosen, the intended use, the mode of administrationand the clinical condition of the patient. The daily dose is generallyin the range from 0.001 mg to 100 mg (typically from 0.01 mg to 50 mg)per day and per kilogram of bodyweight, for example 0.1-10 mg/kg/day. Anintravenous dose may be, for example, in the range from 0.001 mg to 1.0mg/kg, which can suitably be administered as infusion of 10 ng to 100 ngper kilogram and per minute. Suitable infusion solutions for thesepurposes may contain, for example, from 0.1 ng to 10 mg, typically from1 ng to 10 mg, per milliliter. Single doses may contain, for example,from 1 mg to 10 g of the active ingredient. Thus, ampules for injectionsmay contain, for example, from 1 mg to 100 mg, and single-doseformulations which can be administered orally, such as, for example,capsules or tablets, may contain, for example, from 0.05 to 1000 mg,typically from 0.5 to 600 mg. For the therapy of the abovementionedconditions, the compounds of formula I may be used as the compounditself, but they are preferably in the form of a pharmaceuticalcomposition with an acceptable carrier. The carrier must, of course, beacceptable in the sense that it is compatible with the other ingredientsof the composition and is not harmful for the patient's health. Thecarrier may be a solid or a liquid or both and is preferably formulatedwith the compound as a single dose, for example as a tablet, which maycontain from 0.05% to 95% by weight of the active ingredient. Otherpharmaceutically active substances may likewise be present, includingother compounds of formula I. The pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention can be produced by one of the known pharmaceutical methods,which essentially consist of mixing the ingredients withpharmacologically acceptable carriers and/or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are those suitable fororal, rectal, topical, peroral (for example sublingual) and parenteral(for example subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal or intravenous)administration, although the most suitable mode of administrationdepends in each individual case on the nature and severity of thecondition to be treated and on the nature of the compound of formula Iused in each case. Coated formulations and coated slow-releaseformulations also belong within the framework of the invention.Preference is given to acid- and gastric juice-resistant formulations.Suitable coatings resistant to gastric juice comprise cellulose acetatephthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulosephthalate and anionic polymers of methacrylic acid and methylmethacrylate.

Suitable pharmaceutical preparations for oral administration may be inthe form of separate units such as, for example, capsules, cachets,suckable tablets or tablets, each of which contain a defined amount ofthe compound of formula I; as powders or granules, as solution orsuspension in an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water orwater-in-oil emulsion. These compositions may, as already mentioned, beprepared by any suitable pharmaceutical method which includes a step inwhich the active ingredient and the carrier (which may consist of one ormore additional ingredients) are brought into contact. The compositionsare generally produced by uniform and homogeneous mixing of the activeingredient with a liquid and/or finely divided solid carrier, afterwhich the product is shaped if necessary. Thus, for example, a tabletcan be produced by compressing or molding a powder or granules of thecompound, where appropriate with one or more additional ingredients.Compressed tablets can be produced by tableting the compound infree-flowing form such as, for example, a powder or granules, whereappropriate mixed with a binder, glidant, inert diluent and/or one (ormore) surface-active/dispersing agent(s) in a suitable machine. Moldedtablets can be produced by molding the compound, which is in powder formand is moistened with an inert liquid diluent, in a suitable machine.

Pharmaceutical compositions which are suitable for peroral (sublingual)administration comprise suckable tablets which contain a compound offormula I with a flavoring, normally sucrose and gum arabic ortragacanth, and pastilles which comprise the compound in an inert basesuch as gelatin and glycerol or sucrose and gum arabic. Pharmaceuticalcompositions suitable for parenteral administration comprise preferablysterile aqueous preparations of a compound of formula I, which arepreferably isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. Thesepreparations are preferably administered intravenously, althoughadministration may also take place by subcutaneous, intramuscular orintradermal injection. These preparations can preferably be produced bymixing the compound with water and making the resulting solution sterileand isotonic with blood. Injectable compositions of the inventiongenerally contain from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the active compound.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for rectal administration arepreferably in the form of single-dose suppositories. These can beproduced by mixing a compound of the formula I with one or moreconventional solid carriers, for example cocoa butter, and shaping theresulting mixture.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for topical use on the skin arepreferably in the form of ointment, cream, lotion, paste, spray, aerosolor oil. Carriers which can be used are petrolatum, lanolin, polyethyleneglycols, alcohols and combinations of two or more of these substances.The active ingredient is generally present in a concentration of from0.1 to 15% by weight of the composition, for example from 0.5 to 2%.

Transdermal administration is also possible. Pharmaceutical compositionssuitable for transdermal uses can be in the form of single plasterswhich are suitable for long-term close contact with the patient'sepidermis. Such plasters suitably contain the active ingredient in anaqueous solution which is buffered where appropriate, dissolved and/ordispersed in an adhesive or dispersed in a polymer. A suitable activeingredient concentration is about 1% to 35%, preferably about 3% to 15%.A particular possibility is for the active ingredient to be released byelectrotransport or iontophoresis as described, for example, inPharmaceutical Research, 2(6): 318 (1986).

The compounds of the formula I are distinguished by favorable effects onmetabolic disorders. They beneficially influence lipid and sugarmetabolism, in particular they lower the triglyceride level and aresuitable for the prevention and treatment of type II diabetes andatherosclerosis and the diverse sequalae thereof.

Combinations with Other Medicaments

The compounds of the invention can be administered alone or incombination with one or more further pharmacologically active substanceswhich have, for example, favorable effects on metabolic disturbances ordisorders frequently associated therewith. Examples of such medicamentsare

-   -   1. medicaments which lower blood glucose, antidiabetics,    -   2. active ingredients for the treatment of dyslipidemias,    -   3. anti-atherosclerotic medicaments,    -   4. anti-obesity agents,    -   5. anti-inflammatory active ingredients    -   6. active ingredients for the treatment of malignant tumors    -   7. anti-thrombotic active ingredients    -   8. active ingredients for the treatment of high blood pressure    -   9. active ingredients for the treatment of heart failure and    -   10. active ingredients for the treatment and/or prevention of        complications caused by diabetes or associated with diabetes.

They can be combined with the compounds of the invention of the formulaI in particular for a synergistic improvement in the effect.Administration of the active ingredient combination can take placeeither by separate administration of the active ingredients to thepatient or in the form of combination products in which a plurality ofactive ingredients are present in one pharmaceutical preparation.

Examples of suitable drugs useful in combination with the PPAR agonistsof the present invention include, but are not limited to:

Antidiabetics

Suitable antidiabetics are disclosed for example in the Rote Liste 2001,chapter 12 or in the USP Dictionary of USAN and International DrugNames, US Pharmacopeia, Rockville 2001. Antidiabetics include allinsulins and insulin derivatives such as, for example, Lantus® (seewww.lantus.com) or Apidra®, and other fast-acting insulins (see U.S.Pat. No. 6,221,633), GLP-1 receptor modulators as described in WO01/04146 or else, for example, those disclosed in WO 98/08871 of NovoNordisk A/S.

The orally effective hypoglycemic active ingredients include,preferably, sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides,oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors,glucagon antagonists, GLP-1 agonists, DPP-IV inhibitors, potassiumchannel openers such as, for example, those disclosed in WO 97/26265 andWO 99/03861, insulin sensitizers, inhibitors of liver enzymes involvedin the stimulation of gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, modulatorsof glucose uptake, compounds which alter lipid metabolism and lead to achange in the blood lipid composition, compounds which reduce foodintake, PPAR and PXR modulators and active ingredients which act on theATP-dependent potassium channel of the beta cells.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with insulin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with substances which influence hepaticglucose production such as, for example, glycogen phosphorylaseinhibitors (see: WO 01/94300, WO 02/096864, WO 03/084923, WO 03/084922,WO 03/104188)

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with a sulfonylurea such as, for example, tolbutamide,glibenclamide, glipizide or glimepiride.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with an active ingredient which acts on the ATP-dependentpotassium channel of the beta cells, such as, for example, tolbutamide,glibenclamide, glipizide, glimepiride or repaglinide.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with a biguanide such as, for example, metformin.

In a further embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administeredin combination with a meglitinide such as, for example, repaglinide.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with a thiazolidinedione such as, for example, ciglitazone,pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or the compounds disclosed in WO 97/41097 ofDr. Reddy's Research Foundation, in particular5-[[4-[(3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-quinazolinylmethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with a DPPIV inhibitor as described, for example, inWO98/19998, WO99/61431, WO99/67278, WO99/67279, WO01/72290, WO 02/38541,WO03/040174, in particular P 93/01(1-cyclopentyl-3-methyl-1-oxo-2-pentaammonium chloride), P-31/98, LAF237(1-[2-[3-hydroxyadamant-1-ylamino)acetyl]pyrrolidine-2-(S)-carbonitrile),TS021 ((2S,4S)-4-fluoro-1-[[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-acetyl]pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrilemonobenzenesulfonate).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a PPARgamma agonist such as, forexample, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with compounds with an inhibitory effect on SGLT-1 and/or 2,as disclosed directly or indirectly for example in PCT/EP03/06841,PCT/EP03/13454 and PCT/EP03/13455.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with an α-glucosidase inhibitor such as, for example,miglitol or acarbose.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with more than one of the aforementioned compounds, e.g. incombination with a sulfonylurea and metformin, a sulfonylurea andacarbose, repaglinide and metformin, insulin and a sulfonylurea, insulinand metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulin and lovastatin, etc.

Lipid Modulators

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor such aslovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, ivastatin,itavastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a bile acid reabsorption inhibitor(see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,744, U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,897,U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,831, EP 0683 773, EP 0683 774).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a polymeric bile acid adsorbent suchas, for example, cholestyramine, colesevelam.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor asdescribed for example in WO 0250027, or ezetimibe, tiqueside,pamaqueside.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an LDL receptor inducer (see, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,512).

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with bulking agents, preferably insoluble bulking agents(see, for example, carob/Caromax® (Zunft H J; et al., Carob pulppreparation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, ADVANCES IN THERAPY(2001 September-October), 18(5), 230-6.) Caromax is a carob-containingproduct from Nutrinova, Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH,Industriepark Höechst, 65926 Frankfurt/Main)). Combination with Caromax®is possible in one preparation or by separate administration ofcompounds of the formula I and Caromax®. Caromax® can in this connectionalso be administered in the form of food products such as, for example,in bakery products or muesli bars.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a PPARalpha agonist.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a mixed PPAR alpha/gamma agonist suchas, for example, AZ 242 (Tesaglitazar,(S)-3-(4-[2-(4-methanesulfonyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl)-2-ethoxypropionicacid), BMS 298585(N-[(4-methoxyphenoxy)carbonyl]-N-[[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]glycine)or as described in WO 99/62872, WO 99/62871, WO 01/40171, WO 01/40169,WO96/38428, WO 01/81327, WO 01/21602, WO 03/020269, WO 00/64888 or WO00/64876.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a fibrate such as, for example,fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, clofibrate, bezafibrate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with nicotinic acid or niacin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a CETP inhibitor, e.g. CP-529, 414(torcetrapib).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an ACAT inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an MTP inhibitor such as, for example,implitapide.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an antioxidant.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a squalene synthetase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a lipoprotein(a) antagonist.

Antiobesity Agents

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I areadministered in combination with a lipase inhibitor such as, forexample, orlistat.

In one embodiment, the further active ingredient is fenfluramine ordexfenfluramine.

In another embodiment, the further active ingredient is sibutramine.

In a further embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administeredin combination with CART modulators (see “Cocaine-amphetamine-regulatedtranscript influences energy metabolism, anxiety and gastric emptying inmice” Asakawa, A, et al., M. Hormone and Metabolic Research (2001),33(9), 554-558), NPY antagonists, e.g. naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid{4-[(4-aminoquinazolin-2-ylamino)methyl]-cyclohexylmethyl}amidehydrochloride (CGP 71683A)), MC4 agonists (e.g.1-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid[2-(3a-benzyl-2-methyl-3-oxo-2,3,3a,4,6,7-hexahydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-5-yl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-amide;(WO 01/91752)), orexin antagonists (e.g.1-(2-methylbenzoxazol-6-yl)-3-[1,5]naphthyridin-4-ylurea hydrochloride(SB-334867-A)), H3 agonists(3-cyclohexyl-1-(4,4-dimethyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)propan-1-oneoxalic acid salt (WO 00/63208)); TNF agonists, CRF antagonists (e.g.[2-methyl-9-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-9H-1,3,9-triazafluoren-4-yl]dipropylamine(WO 00/66585)), CRF BP antagonists (e.g. urocortin), urocortin agonists,β3 agonists (e.g.1-(4-chloro-3-methanesulfonylmethylphenyl)-2-[2-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-6-yloxy)ethylamino]-ethanolhydrochloride (WO 01/83451)), MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone)agonists, CCK-A agonists (e.g.{2-[4-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(2-cyclohexyl-ethyl)thiazole-2-ylcarbamoyl]-5,7-dimethylindol-1-yl}aceticacid trifluoroacetic acid salt (WO 99/15525)), serotonin reuptakeinhibitors (e.g. dexfenfluramine), mixed serotoninergic andnoradrenergic compounds (e.g. WO 00/71549), 5HT agonists e.g.1-(3-ethylbenzofuran-7-yl)piperazine oxalic acid salt (WO 01/09111),bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone (e.g. humangrowth hormone), growth hormone-releasing compounds(6-benzyloxy-1-(2-diisopropylaminoethylcarbamoyl)-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-carboxylicacid tertiary butyl ester (WO 01/85695)), TRH agonists (see, forexample, EP 0 462 884), uncoupling protein 2 or 3 modulators, leptinagonists (see, for example, Lee, Daniel W.; Leinung, Matthew C.;Rozhavskaya-Arena, Marina; Grasso, Patricia. Leptin agonists as apotential approach to the treatment of obesity. Drugs of the Future(2001), 26(9), 873-881), DA agonists (bromocriptine, Doprexin),lipase/amylase inhibitors (e.g. WO 00/40569), PPAR modulators (e.g. WO00/78312), RXR modulators or TR-β agonists.

In one embodiment of the invention, the further active ingredient isleptin.

In one embodiment, the further active ingredient is dexamphetamine,amphetamine, mazindole or phentermine.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with medicaments having effects on the coronary circulationand the vascular system, such as, for example, ACE inhibitors (e.g.ramipril), medicaments which act on the angiotensin-renine system,calcium antagonists, beta blockers etc.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with medicaments having an antiinflammatory effect.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered incombination with medicaments which are employed for cancer therapy andcancer prevention. It will be appreciated that every suitablecombination of the compounds of the invention with one or more of theaforementioned compounds and optionally one or more otherpharmacologically active substances is regarded as falling within theprotection conferred by the present invention.

The activity of the compounds was tested as follows:

Determination of EC50 Values of PPAR Agonists in the Cellular PPARalphaAssay Principle

The potency of substances which bind to human PPARalpha and activate itin an agonistic manner is analyzed using a stably transfected HEK cellline (HEK=human embryo kidney) which is referred to here as PPARalphareporter cell line. It contains two genetic elements, a luciferasereporter element (pdeltaM-GAL4-Luc-Zeo) and a PPARalpha fusion protein(GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) which mediates expression of the luciferasereporter element depending on a PPARalpha ligand. The stably andconstitutively expressed fusion protein GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD bindsin the cell nucleus of the PPARalpha reporter cell line via the GAL4protein portion to the GAL4 DNA binding motifs 5′-upstream of theluciferase reporter element which is stably integrated in the genome ofthe cell line. There is only weak expression of the luciferase reportergene in the absence of a PPARalpha ligand if fatty acid-depleted fetalcalf serum (cs-FCS) is used in the assay. PPARalpha ligands bind andactivate the PPARalpha fusion protein and thereby stimulate theexpression of the luciferase reporter gene. The luciferase which isformed can be detected by means of chemiluminescence via an appropriatesubstrate.

Construction of the PPARalpha Reporter Cell Line

The PPARalpha reporter cell line was prepared in two stages. Firstly,the luciferase reporter element was constructed and stably transfectedinto HEK cells. For this purpose, five binding sites of the yeasttranscription factor GAL4 (Accession # AF264724) were cloned in5′-upstream of a 68 bp-long minimal MMTV promoter (Accession # V01175).The minimal MMTV promoter section contains a CCAAT box and a TATAelement in order to enable efficient transcription by RNA polymerase II.The cloning and sequencing of the GAL4-MMTV construct took place inanalogy to the description of Sambrook J. et al. (Molecular cloning,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989). Then the complete Photinuspyralis gene (Accession # M15077) was cloned in 3′-downstream of theGAL4-MMTV element. After sequencing, the luciferase reporter elementconsisting of five GAL4 binding sites, MMTV promoter and luciferase genewas recloned into a plasmid which confers zeocin resistance in order toobtain the plasmid pdeltaM-GAL4-Luc-Zeo. This vector was transfectedinto HEK cells in accordance with the statements in Ausubel, F. M. etal. (Current protocols in molecular biology, Vol. 1-3, John Wiley &Sons, Inc., 1995). Then zeocin-containing medium (0.5 mg/ml) was used toselect a suitable stable cell clone which showed very low basalexpression of the luceriferase gene.

In a second step, the PPARalpha fusion protein(GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD was introduced into the stable cell clonedescribed. For this purpose, initially the cDNA coding for theN-terminal 76 amino acids of the glucocorticoid receptor (Accession #PO₄₁₅₀) was linked to the cDNA section coding for amino acids 1-147 ofthe yeast transcription factor GAL4 (Accession # P04386). The cDNA ofthe ligand-binding domain of the human PPARalpha receptor (amino acidsS167-Y468; Accession # S74349) was cloned in at the 3′-end of thisGR-GAL4 construct. The fusion construct prepared in this way(GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) was recloned into the plasmid pcDNA3(Invitrogen) in order to enable constitutive expression therein by thecytomegalovirus promoter. This plasmid was linearized with a restrictionendonuclease and stably transfected into the previously described cellclone containing the luciferase reporter element. The finished PPARalphareporter cell line which contains a luciferase reporter element andconstitutively expresses the PPARalpha fusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) was isolated by selection with zeocin (0.5 mg/ml) andG418 (0.5 mg/ml).

Assay Procedure

The activity of PPARalpha agonists is determined in a 3-day assay, whichis described below:

Day 1

The PPARalphareporter cell line is cultivated to 80% confluence in DMEM(# 41965-039, Invitrogen) which is mixed with the following additions:10% cs-FCS (fetal calf serum; #SH-30068.03, Hyclone), 0.5 mg/ml zeocin(#R250-01, Invitrogen), 0.5 mg/ml G418 (#10131-027, Invitrogen), 1%penicillin-streptomycin solution (#15140-122, Invitrogen) and 2 mML-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen). The cultivation takes place instandard cell culture bottles (# 353112, Becton Dickinson) in a cellculture incubator at 37° C. in the presence of 5% CO₂. The 80%-confluentcells are washed once with 15 ml of PBS (#14190-094, Invitrogen),treated with 3 ml of trypsin solution (#25300-054, Invitrogen) at 37° C.for 2 min, taken up in 5 ml of the DMEM described and counted in a cellcounter. After dilution to 500.000 cells/ml, 35,000 cells are seeded ineach well of a 96 well microtiter plate with a clear plastic base(#3610, Corning Costar). The plates are incubated in the cell cultureincubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 24 h.

Day 2

PPARalpha agonists to be tested are dissolved in DMSO in a concentrationof 10 mM. This stock solution is diluted in DMEM (#41965-039,Invitrogen) which is mixed with 5% cs-FCS (#SH-30068.03, Hyclone), 2 mML-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen) and the previously describedantibiotics (zeocin, G418, penicillin and streptomycin). Test substancesare tested in 11 different concentrations in the range from 10 μM to 100μM. More potent compounds are tested in concentration ranges from 1 μMto 10 μM or between 100 nM and 1 μM.

The medium of the PPARalpha reporter cell line seeded on day 1 iscompletely removed by aspiration, and the test substances diluted inmedium are immediately added to the cells. The dilution and addition ofthe substances is carried out by a robot (Beckman FX). The final volumeof the test substances diluted in medium is 100 μl per well of a 96 wellmicrotiter plate. The DMSO concentration in the assay is less than 0.1%v/v in order to avoid cytotoxic effects of the solvent.

Each plate was charged with a standard PPARalpha agonist, which waslikewise diluted in 11 different concentrations, in order to demonstratethe functioning of the assay in each individual plate. The assay platesare incubated in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 24 h.

Day 3

The PPARalpha reporter cells treated with the test substances areremoved from the incubator, and the medium is aspirated off. The cellsare lyzed by pipetting 50 μl of Bright Glo reagent (from Promega) intoeach well of a 96 well microtiter plate. After incubation at roomtemperature in the dark for 10 minutes, the microtiter plates aremeasured in the luminometer (Trilux from Wallac). The measuring time foreach well of a microtiter plate is 1 sec.

Evaluation

The raw data from the luminometer are transferred into a Microsoft Excelfile. Dose-effect plots and EC50 values of PPAR agonists are calculatedusing the XL.Fit program as specified by the manufacturer (IDBS).

The PPARalpha EC50 values for the compounds of Examples 1 to 32 in thisassay are in the range from 100 nM to >10 μM. Compounds of the inventionof the formula I activate the PPARalpha receptor.

Determination of EC50 Values of PPAR Agonists in the Cellular PPARdeltaAssay Principle

The potency of substances which bind to human PPARdelta and activate itin an agonistic manner is analyzed using a stably transfected HEK cellline (HEK=human embryo kidney) which is referred to here as PPARdeltareporter cell line. In analogy to the assay described for PPARalpha, thePPARdelta reporter cell line also contains two genetic elements, aluciferase reporter element (pdeltaM-GAL4-Luc-Zeo) and a PPARdeltafusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARdelta-LBD) which mediates expression ofthe luciferase reporter element depending on a PPARdelta ligand. Thestably and constitutively expressed fusion proteinGR-GAL4-humanPPARdelta-LBD binds in the cell nucleus of the PPARdeltareporter cell line via the GAL4 protein portion to the GAL4 DNA bindingmotifs 5′-upstream of the luciferase reporter element which is stablyintegrated in the genome of the cell line. There is only littleexpression of the luciferase reporter gene in the absence of a PPARdeltaligand if fatty acid-depleted fetal calf serum (cs-FCS) is used in theassay. PPARdelta ligands bind and activate the PPARdelta fusion proteinand thereby stimulate expression of the luciferase reporter gene. Theluciferase which is formed can be detected by means of chemiluminescencevia an appropriate substrate.

Construction of the PPARdelta Eporter Cell Line

The production of the stable PPARdelta reporter cell line is based on astable HEK-cell clone which was stably transfected with a luciferasereporter element. This step was already described above in the section“construction of the PPARalpha reporter cell line”. In a second step,the PPARdelta fusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARdelta-LBD was stablyintroduced into this cell clone. For this purpose, the cDNA coding forthe N-terminal 76 amino acids of the glucocorticoid receptor (Accession# P04150) was linked to the cDNA section coding for amino acids 1-147 ofthe yeast transcription factor GAL4 (Accession # P04386). The cDNA ofthe ligand-binding domain of the human PPARdelta receptor (amino acidsS139-Y441; Accession # L07592) was cloned in at the 3′-end of thisGR-GAL4 construct. The fusion construct prepared in this way(GR-GAL4-humanPPARdelta-LBD) was recloned into the plasmid pcDNA3(Invitrogen) in order to enable constitutive expression by thecytomegalovirus promoter. This plasmid was linearized with a restrictionendonuclease and stably transfected into the previously described cellclone containing the luciferase reporter element. The resultingPPARdelta reporter cell line which contains a luciferase reporterelement and constitutively expresses the PPARdelta fusion protein(GR-GAL4-human PPARdelta-LBD) was isolated by selection with zeocin (0.5mg/ml) and G418 (0.5 mg/ml).

Assay Procedure and Evaluation

The activity of PPARdelta agonists is determined in a 3-day assay inexact analogy to the procedure already described for the PPARalphareporter cell line except that the PPARdelta reporter cell line and aspecific PPARdelta agonist was used as a standard to control testefficacy.

PPARdelta EC50 values in the range from 0.2 nM to >10 μM were measuredfor the PPAR agonists of Examples 1 to 51 described in this application.Compounds of the invention of the formula I activate the PPARdeltareceptor.

The following examples are provided to better explicitly describe how tomake and use the compounds of the present invention and to specificallydelineate bona fide embodiments of the PPAR agonits and theirtherapeutic value. They are for illustrative purposes only and shouldnot be regarded as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention asrecited in the claims that follow.

The examples given in Table I serve to illustrate the invention, butwithout limiting it.

TABLE I

Exam- X Z Y W U V R1 R2 R3 R4 ple 1 — — O —CH2— S N F H H H 2 — — O—CH2— S N H H H H 3 — — O —CH2— S N H H CH3O— H 4 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H HH 5 — — S —CH2— S N H H H H 6 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 7 — — O —CH2— S NCl H H H 8 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 9 — — O —CH2—CH2— S N Cl H H H 10—CH2— — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 11 — — O —CH2— S N CH3O— H H H 12 — — O—CH2— S N F H H H 13 — — O —CH2— S N F F H H 14 — — S —CH2— S N H H H H15 — — O —CH2— S N CF3 H H H 16 — — O —CH2— S N —CH3 H H H 17 — — O—CH2— S N Br H H H 18 — — O —CH2— S N CH3O— H H H 19 — — O —CH2— S N ClH H H 20 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 21 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 22 — — O—CH2— S N CN H H H 23 — — O —CH2— S N CH3S— H H H 24 — — O —CH2— S NCH3S(O)— H H H 25 — — O —CH2— S N CH3S(O)2— H H H 26 — — S(O) —CH2— S NH H H H 27 — — S(O)2 —CH2— S N H H H H 28 — —CH2— O —CH2— S N F H H H 29— —CH2— O —CH2— S N H H H H 30 — — O —CH2— N O Cl H H H 31 — — O —CH2— NO Cl H H H 32 — — O —CH2—CH2— N S Cl H H H 33 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H34 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 35 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 36 — — O —CH2— SN Cl H H H 37 — — O —CH2— N O —CH3 H H H 38 — — O —CH2— N O —CH3 H H H39 — — O —CH2— O N —CH3 H H H 40 — — O —CH2— O N —CH3 H H H 41 — — O—CH2— O N —CH3 H H H 42 — — O —CH2— O N —CH3 H H H 43 — — O —CH2— O N—CH3 H H H 44 — — O —CH2— O N —CH3 H H H 45 — — O —CH2— N O Cl H H H 46— — O —CH2— N O Cl H H H 47 — — O —CH2— O N Cl H H H 48 — — O —CH2— O NCl H H H 49 — — O —CH2— S N CH3O— H Br H 50 — — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H 51— — O —CH2— S N Cl H H H Exam- R5 R6 R7 ple 1 CH3— p-CF3 H 2 CH3— p-CF3H 3 CH3— p-CF3 H 4 CH3— p-CF3 H 5 CH3— p-CF3 H 6 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3H 7 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-SF5 H 8 CH3— p-SF5 H 9 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H10 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 11 CH3— p-CF3 H 12 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H13 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 14 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 15CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 16 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 17 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2—p-CF3 H 18 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 19 CH2═CH—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 20HO—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 21 HO—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 22CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 23 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 24 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2—p-CF3 H 25 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 26 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 27CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 28 CH3—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 29 CH3— p-CF3 H 30CH3— p-Phenyl H 31 CH3— p-OCH3 H 32 CH3— p-SF5 H 33 CH3—O—CH2— p-CF3 H34 CH3—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-CF3 H 35 CH3—CH2—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-CF3 H 36CH3—O—CH2—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-CF3 H 37 CH3—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 38CH3—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 39 CH3—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 40CH3—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 41 CH3—CH2—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 42CH3—O—CH2—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 43 CH3—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 44Ph—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 45 CH3—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 46 CH3—O—CH2—CH2—O—CH2—p-OCH3 H 47 CH3—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 48 CH3—O—CH2—CH2—CH2—O—CH2— p-OCH3 H 49CH3— p-CF3 H 50 Ph—CH2—O—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H 51 HO—CH2—CH2—CH2— p-CF3 H

The potency of some of the described examples are indicated in thefollowing table:

PPARalpha PPARdelta Example EC50 (μM) EC50 (μM) 4 1.66 0.056 5 1.330.068 10 0.77 0.011 13 0.36 0.010 15 0.15 0.003 18 >10 0.015 20 1.560.055 28 0.12 0.023 30 0.25 0.016 32 0.32 0.31 34 0.23 0.001 50 0.420.0007

Processes

The compounds of the general formula I according to the invention can beobtained as outlined to the reaction schemes below:

Process A

A compound of the general formula A-1 where Y is —OH or —SH and X, Z,R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are as defined is either reacted with an halide ofgeneral formula A-2 where R=halide and U, V, W, R₅, R₆ and R₇ are asdefined in the presence of a base as cesium carbonate or sodium hydridein a solvent as dimethylformamide or with an alcohol of general formulaA-2 where R═OH and U, V, W, R₅, R₆ and R₇ are as defined under Mitsunobureaction conditions (triphenylphoshine, diethylazodicarboxylate forinstance) in an apolar solvent as dichloromethane to give a compound ofthe general formula A-5. Alternatively the compound of general formulaA-5 can be obtained by reacting a compound of general formula A-3 whereR=halide, Z=-CH₂ and X, R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are as defined with a compoundof general formula A-4 where Y is —OH and U, V, W, R₅, R₆ and R₇ are asdefined in the presence of a base as sodium hydride in a solvent asdimethylformamide. If Y═S in the compound of the general formula A-5,the sulfur atom can be oxidized (Y═SO or Y═SO2) by methods known in theart, e.g with a oxidizing agent as meta-chloroperbenzoic acid in anapolar solvent as dichloromethane. The compound of the general formulaA-5 is reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of abase as triethylamine in a solvent as tetrahydrofuran and methanol toobtain a compound of the general formula A-6. A compound of the generalformula A-6 is converted to the product of general formula A-7 byreaction with phenylchloroformate in the presence of a base as pyridineand treating this intermediate with a base as1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in a solvent as acetonitrile.

Examples 1-9, 12-14, 28-32 and 45-48 were obtained according to processA.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process B

A compound of the general formula B-1 where Y is —OH or —SH and Z, R1,R2, R3 and R4 are as defined is either reacted with a halide of generalformula B-2 where R=halide and U, V, W, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined inthe presence of a base as cesium carbonate or sodium hydride in asolvent as dimethylformamide or with an alcohol of general formula B-2where R═OH and U, V, W, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined under Mitsunobureaction conditions (triphenylphoshine, diethylazodicarboxylate) in anapolar solvent as dichloromethane to give a compound of the generalformula B-3. The compound of general formula B-3 is converted to thealcohol of general formula B-4 upon treatment with a reducing agent assodium borohydride in a solvent as tetrahydrofuran. The alcohol ofgeneral formula B-4 is reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride in thepresence of a base as triethylamine in a solvent as dichloromethane toobtain the compound of general formula B-5. The compound of generalformula B-5 is reacted with tetrabutylammonium cyanide in a solvent asacetonitrile to obtain the compound of general formula B-6. A compoundof the general formula B-6 is reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloridein the presence of a base as triethylamine in a solvent astetrahydrofuran and methanol to obtain a compound of the general formulaB-7. A compound of the general formula B-7 is converted to the productof general formula B-8 by reaction with phenylchloroformate in thepresence of a base as pyridine and treating this intermediate with abase as 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in a solvent as acetonitrile.

Example 10 was obtained according to process B.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process C

A compound of the general formula C-1 where R1=F and U, V, W, Y, Z, R2,R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined is reacted with a nucleophile, e.g.sodium methylate, to obtain a compound of the general formula C-2. Acompound of the general formula C-2 is reacted with hydroxylaminehydrochloride in the presence of a base as triethylamine in a solvent astetrahydrofuran and methanol to obtain a compound of the general formulaC-3. A compound of the general formula C-3 is converted to the productof general formula C-4 by reaction with phenylchloroformate in thepresence of a base as pyridine and treating this intermediate with abase as 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in a solvent as acetonitrile.

Example 11, 22 and 23 were obtained according to process C.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process D:

A compound of the general formula D-2 where R is —OH or —SH and U, V, W,R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above is reacted with a fluoro-nitrile ofgeneral formula D-1 where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined above in thepresence of a base such as cesium carbonate or sodium hydride in asolvent such as dimethylformamide to give a compound of the generalformula D-3 where U, V, W, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined.If Y═S in the compound of the general formula D-3, the sulfur atom canbe oxidized (Y═SO or Y═SO2) by methods known in the art, e.g with aoxidizing agent as meta-chloroperbenzoic acid in an apolar solvent asdichloromethane. As described in process A, compound D-3 is treated withhydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of a base such astriethylamine in a solvent as tetrahydrofuran and methanol to obtain acompound of the general formula D-4. Compound D-4 is converted to theproduct of general formula D-5 by reaction with phenylchloroformate inthe presence of a base such as pyridine and treating this intermediatewith a base such as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in a solvent asacetonitrile. Examples 15-19, 37-44 and 50 were obtained according toprocess D.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process E:

This process is used for synthesizing the building block E-4 where U, V,R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above.

A halide of general formula E-1 where U, V, R5, R6 and R7 are as definedabove is reacted with tetrabutylammonium cyanide in a solvent asacetonitrile to obtain a compound of general formula E-2. This compoundof general formula E-2 is hydrolyzed with a base as sodium hydroxide toobtain the carboxylic acid of general formula E-3. The carboxylic acidof general formula E-3 is reduced with a reducing agent,e.g. borane, tothe alcohol of general formula E-4. Other compounds can be obtainedaccordingly or by known processes.

Process F:

This process is used for synthesizing the building blocks F-5 and F-6where R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above and U is S or O.

A 3-Oxo-butyric acid methyl- or ethyl ester of general formula F-1 whereR5 is as defined above is reacted with sulfuryl chloride to a chlorinesubstituted compound of general formula F-2. This compound of generalformula F-2 is reacted with a benzamide or thiobenzamide of generalformula F-3, where U is S or O and R7 and R8 are as defined to obtain aphenylthiazole or phenyloxazole ester of general formula F-4. The esterof general formula F-4 is reduced with a reducing agent,e.g. lithiumaluminium hydride, to the alcohol of general formula F-5. The alcohol ofgeneral formula F-5 is reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride in thepresence of a base as triethylamine in a solvent as dichloromethane toobtain the building block of general formula F-6, where R5, R6 and R7are as defined above.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process G:

This process is used for synthesizing the building blocks G-4 where V═Sor O and R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above.

A halide of general formula G-1 where Hal=chlorine or bromine, R′=methylor ethyl and R5 is as defined above is reacted with a benzamide orthiobenzamide of general formula G-2 where V═O or S and R6 and R7 are asdefined above to obtain an ester of general formula G-3. The ester ofgeneral formula G-3 is reduced with a reducing agent,e.g. lithiumaluminium hydride, to the alcohol of general formula G-4.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process H¹:

This process is used for synthesizing the building block H-4 and H-5 inwhich R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above. U.S. Ser. No. 10/788,997; U.S.Ser. No. 10/788,996; U.S. Ser. No. 10/789,017

In ethanol and using hydrogen chloride, compound H-1 where R5 is asdefined above is reacted with aldehyde H-2 in which R6 and R7 are asdefined above, to give compound H-3.

Compound H-3 is heated to reflux in phosphoryl chloride, giving compoundH-4. This is heated to reflux with sodium iodide in acetone. This givescompound H-5.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process I

A compound of the general formula I-1 (which can be synthesizedaccording to process A, B and D, where the substituent R5 of buildingblocks A-2, B-2 and D-2 is —CH2-OPG; synthesis of these building blocksis described in process J and K) where X, Y, Z, W R1, R2, R3, R4, R6 andR7 are as defined and PG means a protecting group as for example atetrahydropyranylether. The protecting group of the compound of thegeneral formula I-1 is removed, in case PG is a tetrahydropyranyletherfor example by treatment with an acid in polar solvent as methanol toobtain a compound of general formula I-2. The hydroxyl group of thecompound of general formula I-2 is converted into a leaving group (LG)for example a mesylate by treatment with methanesulfonylchloride in thepresence of a base as triethylamine in a solvent as dichloromethane toobtain a compound of general formula I-3. The compound of generalformula I-3 is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a base assodium hydride to obtain a compound of general formula I-4, where thedefinition of —CH2-O—R8 is comprised in the definition of R5 asdescribed. The compound of the general formula I-4 is reacted withhydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of a base as triethylaminein a solvent as tetrahydrofuran and methanol to obtain a compound of thegeneral formula I-5. A compound of the general formula I-5 is convertedto the product of general formula I-6 by reaction withphenylchloroformate in the presence of a base as pyridine and treatingthis intermediate with a base as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in asolvent as acetonitrile.

Examples 33-36 were obtained according to process 1.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process J:

This process is used for synthesizing the building blocks A-2, B-2 andD-2 where R5=—CH2-OPG (PG=protecting group), U is S or O, W≡—CH₂, R═—OHor —Cl and R6 and R7 are as defined above.

A compound of the general formula J-1 (which can be synthesizedaccording to process F (J-1 is part of F-4)) where U is S or O, R′ isalkyl as methyl or ethyl, and R6 and R7 are as defined above isbrominated upon treatment with N-bromosuccinimide in an apolar solventas tetrachloromethane to obtain a compound of general formula J-2. Thebromide of general formula J-2 is converted into the alcohol of generalformula J-3 upon treatment with silver trifluoroacetate in a solvent asdimethylformamide and subsequent heating of the resultingtrifluoroacetate in a solvent as ethanol. The hydroxyl group of thecompound of general formula J-2 is protected for example as atetrahydropyranylether by treatment with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran in asolvent as dichloromethane in the presence of an acid as pyridiniumpara-toluenesulfonate to obtain a compound of general formula J-4. Theester of the compound of general formula J-4 is reduced with an agent aslithium aluminium hydride in a solvent as tetrahydrofuran to obtain thecompound of general formula A-2, B-2 or D-2, where R is OH. Thehydroxylic group can be converted into a chlorine by treatment withmethanesulfonylchloride in the presence of a base as triethylamine in asolvent as dichloromethane to obtain a compound of general formula A-2,B-2 or D-2, where R is Cl.

Other compounds can be obtained accordingly or by known processes.

Process K:

This process is used for synthesizing the building blocks A-2, B-2 andD-2 where R5=—CH2-OPG (PG=protecting group), V is N and U is 0, W═—CH2-,R═—OH or —Cl and R6 and R7 are as defined above.

Methyl 2-diazo-3-oxobutanoate (R′=Me) or Ethyl-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoate(R′=Et) is reacted with a benzamide of general formula K-1, where R6 andR7 are as defined above in the presence of dirhodium tetraacetate in anapolar solvent as 1,2-dichloroethane to obtain a compound of generalformula K-2. The compound of general formula K-2 is cyclized to obtain acompound of general formula K-3 upon treatment with triphenylphosphineand iodine in an apolar solvent as dichloromethane.

The compound of the general formula K-3 is brominated upon treatmentwith N-bromosuccinimide in an apolar solvent as tetrachloromethane toobtain a compound of general formula K-4. The bromide of general formulaK-4 is converted into the alcohol of general formula K-5 upon treatmentwith silver trifluoroacetate in a solvent as dimethylformamide andsubsequent heating of the resulting trifluoroacetate in a solvent asethanol. The hydroxyl group of the compound of general formula K-5 isprotected for example as a tetrahydropyranylether by treatment with3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran in a solvent as dichloromethane in the presence ofan acid as pyridinium para-toluenesulfonate to obtain a compound ofgeneral formula K-6. The ester of the compound of general formula K-6 isreduced with a reducing agent as lithium aluminium hydride in a solventas tetrahydrofuran to obtain the compound of general formula A-2, B-2 orD-2, where R is OH. The hydroxylic group can be converted into achlorine by treatment with methanesulfonylchloride in the presence of abase as triethylamine in a solvent as dichloromethane to obtain acompound of general formula A-2, B-2 or D-2, where R is Cl.

List of abbreviation:Ac acetylBn benzyliBu isobutyltBu tert-ButylBuLi n-butyllithiumBz benzoylCy cyclohexylDCI Direct chemical ionization (MS)DCM dichloromethane

DMAP N,N-dimethylaminopyridine DMF N,N-dimethylformamide

DMSO dimethylsulfoxideEE ethyl acetateeq equivalentsESI electronspray-lonisation (MS)FG Leaving groupHal halogenHPLC High performance liquid chromatographyLC-MS liquid chromatography coupled with mass-spectroscopy

LG Leaving Group

Me methylMS mass-spectroscopy

MsCl Methansulfonylchloride NBS N-bromosuccinimide

NMR Nuclear magnetic resonancep paraPd/C palladium on carbon

PG Protecting Group

iPr isopropylnPr n-propylRf retention time (TLC)tert TertiaryTLC Thin layer chromatography

Further compounds of the formula I can be prepared correspondingly or byknown processes.

The experimental procedures for preparing the examples mentioned aboveare described below:

Building Block Synthesis According to Process F:4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole

4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-carboxylic Acid MethylEster

5.0 g 3-Oxo-heptanoic acid methyl ester were dissolved in 80 ml drydichloromethane and 2.82 ml sulfurylchloride were added. The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. 20 ml of waterwere added and the reaction mixture extracted five times with portionsof 30 ml of dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washedwith water and saturated NaHCO3 solution and brine and dried over MgSO4.The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain 6.0 g2-Chloro-3-oxo-heptanoic acid methyl ester as raw material. Thismaterial was used without further purification. 6.0 g2-Chloro-3-oxo-heptanoic acid methyl ester were dissolved in 50 mlethanol and 6.4 g 4-(Trifluoromethyl)thiobenzamide were added. Thereaction mixture was heated under reflux overnight. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure and the residue purified bychromatography with the eluent n-heptane:ethyl acetate=100:1=>60:1. Thisgives 7.4 g 4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-carboxylicacid methyl ester as yellow oil.

C16H16F3NO₂S (343.37), MS (ESI): 344.1 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=4:1)=0.62.

[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol

1.2 g lithium aluminium hydride was dissolved in 100 ml drytetrahydrofuran. 5.3 g4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluormethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-carboxylic acid methylester, dissolved in 100 ml tetrahydrofuran, were added. The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature over a period of one hour, then50 ml saturated ammonium chloride solution and 50 ml of a 1 molarhydrochloric acid solution were added. The reaction mixture wasextracted five times with portions of 60 ml of ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic layers were dried over MgSO4 and the solvent removedunder reduced pressure to provide 4.6 g[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol as ayellow oil, which solidified upon standing at room temperature.

C15H16F3NOS (315.36), MS (ESI): 316.4 (M+H⁺).4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole

1.0 g [4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol weredissolved in 50 ml dichloromethane, 0.88 ml triethylamine and 0.39 mlmethanesulfonyl chloride were added. The reaction mixture was stirred atroom temperature for a period of three hours then 100 ml ofdichloromethane were added and the reaction mixture washed with 50 ml ofsaturated NaHCO3 solution, water and brine. The organic layer was driedover MgSO4 and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. This provided1.0 g 4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole asyellow oil.

C15H15CIF3NS (333.81), MS (ESI): 334.3 (M+H⁺).[4-But-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol

According to the method described for[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol,[4-but-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol wasobtained from 3-oxo-hept-6-enoic acid ethyl ester and4-(trifluoro)thiobenzamide. C15H14F₃NOS (313.34), MS (ESI): 312 (M−H⁺).

[4-(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol

According to the method described for[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol,[4-(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanolwas obtained from the known 6-benzyloxy-3-oxo-hexanoic acid methyl esterand 4-(trifluoro)thiobenzamide.

C₂₁H20F3NO2S (407.45), MS (ESI): 408 (M+H⁺).4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole

According to the method described for4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole,4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazolewas obtained from commercially available 3-Oxo-heptanoic acid methylester and 4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)thiobenzamide.

C14H15ClF₅NS2 (391.86), MS (ESI): 392.3 (M+H⁺).5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole

According to the method described for4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole,5-chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazolewas obtained from commercially available Ethyl 2-Chloroacetoacetate and4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)thiobenzamide.

C11H9CIF5NS2 (349.77), MS (ESI): 350.4 (M+H⁺).2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-methyl-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

40.0 g 4-Methoxybenzamide was dissolved in 400 ml ethanol. The mixturewas warmed to 50° C. and 48.8 ml ethyl-2-chloroacetoacetate was added inone portion. The resulting mixture was refluxed for four days. Thereaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reducedpressure. The resulting residue was purified by flash chromatography onsilica gel to obtain 23.5 g2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-methyl-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as asolid.

C14H15NO4 (261.28), MS (ESI): 262.1 (M+H⁺). Building Block SynthesisAccording to Process E:2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethanol

[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-acetonitrile

3.0 g 4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole weredissolved in 50 ml acetonitrile. To this solution was added 2.89 gtetrabutylammoniumcyanide. The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for thirty minutes. Then a mixture of saturated NaHCO3solution, ice and ethyl acetate was added. The aqueous phase wasseparated and extracted three times with portions of 30 ml ethylacetate.The combined organic layers were washed with ice cold water and brineand dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue waspurified by flash chromatography with the eluent n-heptane:ethylacetate=5:1 to provide 1.1 g[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-acetonitrile as oil.

C16H15F3N2S (324.37), MS (ESI): 325.3 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=4:1)=0.32.

[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-acetic acid

1.1 g [4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-acetonitrilewere dissolved in a mixture of 1 ml water and 6 ml isopropanol. 1.36 gSodium hydroxide were added and the mixture heated to 100° C. Afterthree hours the cooled reaction mixture was neutralized withconcentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted three times with portionsof 50 ml ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried overMgSO4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 1.15 g crude[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-acetic acid as brownoil. This material was used without purification.

C16H16F3NO2S (343.37), MS (ESI): 344.4 (M+H⁺).2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethanol

1.15 g crude [4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-aceticacid were dissolved in 50 ml tetrahydrofuran and cooled in an ice bathto 0° C. At 0° C. 9.3 ml 1 M solution of borane tetrahydrofuran complexwere added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 55° C. and stirred forone hour at this temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled in an icebath and 50 ml water was added. The organic layer was added. Thetetrahydrofuran was removed in vacuo and the residue extracted threetimes with portions of 80 ml ethyl acetate. The combined organic layerswere washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and the solvent removed invacuo to provide 1.1 g crude2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethanol as brownoil. This material was used without purification.

C16H18F3NOS (329.39), MS (ESI): 330.4 (M+H⁺). Building Block SynthesisAccording to Process G:2-[5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethanol

4-Pentafluorosulfanyl-benzamide

20 g 4-Pentafluorosulfanyl-benzoic acid were refluxed in 300 ml thionylchloride for three hours. The thionylchloride was removed under reducedpressure, the resulting residue was dissolved in 100 ml tetrahydrofuran.This solution was added dropwise to 80 ml of a concentrated ammoniasolution. The solvent was removed in vacuo and resulting residue wasdissolved in 300 ml water and extracted three times with portions of 250ml ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO4 andthe solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 24.5 g4-Pentafluorosulfanyl-benzamide as a yellow solid. This material wasused without purification.

C7H6F5NOS (247.19), MS (ESI): 248 (M+H⁺).4-Pentafluorosulfanyl-thiobenzamide

9 g Phosphorpentasulfide were dissolved in 300 ml toluene. 16.8 g NaHCO3were added and the mixture refluxed for thirty minutes. Then 25.2 g4-pentafluorosulfanyl-benzamide, dissolved in 200 ml toluene, were addedand the reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for three hours. Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and the resulting residue was dissolved in300 ml brine and extracted three times with portions of 250 mldichlormethane. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO4 andthe solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 17.4 g4-pentafluorosulfanyl-thiobenzamide as a yellow solid.

C7H6F₅NS2 (263.25), MS (ESI): 264 (M+H⁺).[5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-acetic acidethyl ester

0 g 4-Pentafluorosulfanyl-thiobenzamide and 9.93 g4-bromo-3-oxo-pentanoic acid methyl ester were dissolved in 30 mlacetone and refluxed for one hour. The cooled reaction mixture wasdiluted by adding 250 ml ethylacetate and washed three times withsaturated NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 andthe solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flashchromatography with the eluent n-heptane:ethyl acetate=5:1 to provide4.5 g [5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-aceticacid ethyl ester as an oil which solidified upon standing.

C₁₃H12F₅NO2S2 (373.37), MS (ESI): 374 (M+H⁺).2-[5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethanol

458 mg Lithium aluminium hydride were suspended in 100 ml drytetrahydrofuran and cooled in an ice bath. To this ice cooled suspensionwere added 4.5 g[5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-acetic acidethyl ester, dissolved in 50 ml tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixturewas stirred for one hour. Then 300 ml ethyl acetate and 20 ml saturatedNH4Cl solution were added. The organic layer was separated. The aqueousphase was extracted three times with portions of 50 ml ethyl actetate.The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO4 and the solvent wasremoved in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography withthe eluent n-heptane:ethyl acetate=2:1 to provide 1.44 g2-[5-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethanol as anoil which solidified upon standing.

C12H12F5NOS2 (345.36), MS (ESI): 346 (M+H⁺).

Building Block Synthesis According to Process H:4-Iodomethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole

2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-oxazole 3-oxide

50.6 g of Diacetylmonoxime and 66.7 ml of 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde areadded to 100 ml of glacial acetic acid, and HCl gas is introduced for 30minutes, with ice-cooling. The product is precipitated as thehydrochloride by addition of methyl tert-butyl ether and filtered offwith suction, and the precipitate is washed with methyl tert-butylether. The precipitate is suspended in water and the pH is made alkalineusing ammonia. The mixture is extracted three times with in each case200 ml of dichloromethane, the combined organic phases are dried overMgSO4 and the solvent is then removed under reduced pressure. This gives82.1 g of 2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-oxazole 3-oxide as a whitesolid. C12H13NO3 (219.24), MS (ESI)=220 (M+H⁺).

4-Chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole

82 g of 2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-oxazole 3-oxide are dissolvedin 400 ml of chloroform, 37.4 ml of phosphorus oxychloride are added andthe mixture is, under reflux, heated at the boil for 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture is cooled to 0° C., the pH is made slightly alkalineusing ammonia and the mixture is extracted three times with in each case100 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases are washed withwater and dried over MgSO4, and the solvent then removed under reducedpressure. The residue is purified on silica gel using the mobile phasen-heptane:ethyl acetate=80:1=>5:1. This gives 46.3 g of4-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole as a yellow solid.C12H12ClNO2 (237.69), MS (ESI)=238 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate)=7:3)=0.45.

4-Iodomethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole

Together with 37.7 g of sodium iodide, 19.9 g of4-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole are, in 300 ml ofacetone, heated at the boil under reflux for 2 hours. After cooling ofthe reaction mixture, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure andthe residue dissolved in 300 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether, the mixtureis washed three times with saturated Na2S2O3 solution and dried overMgSO4, and the solvent is then removed under reduced pressure. Thisgives 49.8 g of 4-Iodomethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole as alight-brown solid.

C12H12INO2 (329.14), MS (ESI): 330 (M+H⁺).4-Iodomethyl-5-methyl-2-p-biphenyloxazole

Analogously to the building block synthesis of4-Iodomethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole, diacetylmonoxime andp-biphenylcarbaldehyde gave 4-iodomethyl-5-methyl-2-p-biphenyloxazole.

C12H12INO (375.21), MS (ESI): 376 (M+H⁺). Building Block SynthesisAccording to Process J:

-   [2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanol    and    5-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole

4-Bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester

To a boiling solution of 23.5 g2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-methyl-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester in250 ml tetrachloro-methane were added portionwise a mixture of 5.92 g2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) and 19.3 g N-bromosuccinimde. Thereaction mixture was refluxed for seven hours. The cooled reactionmixture was filtered over a celite pad and the solvent removed in vacuoto obtain 30.7 g of crude4-bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethylester. The material was used without further purification in the nextstep.

C14H14BrNO4 (340.18), MS (ESI): 340.0 and 342.0 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=7:3)=0.43).

4-Hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethylester

30.7 g of crude 4-Bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylicacid ethyl ester were dissolved in 170 ml dry dimethylformamide. 29.95 gSilver trifluoroacetate were added and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature overnight. 100 ml brine were added and the mixture wasstirred for one hour. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad ofcelite, the solvent removed in vacuo and the resulting residue dissolvedin 200 ml ethanol. The mixture was heated to reflux for three hours.Then the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in waterand extracted five times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layerswere dried over MgSO4, the solvent removed in vacuo and the residuepurified by flash chromatography on silica gel (eluting with 1n-heptane:ethyl acetate=5:1=>ethylacetate) to obtain 17.8 g4-Hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid ethylester as a solid.

C4H15NO5 (277.28), MS (ESI): 278.1 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:2)=0.11).

2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylicacid ethyl ester

10.0 g 4-Hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylic acidethyl ester were dissolved in 85 ml dichloromethane. 4.0 ml3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran and 1.85 mg pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate wereadded and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature overnight.The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flashchromatography on silica gel (eluting with n-heptane:ethylacetate=4:1=>1:1) to obtain 12.3 g2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylicacid ethyl ester as an oil.

C19H23NO6 (361.40), MS (ESI): 362.2 (M+H⁺), 278.2 (M−THP+H+), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:1)=0.56).

[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanol

To a cooled suspension of 2.73 g lithium aluminium hydride in 180 mltetrahydrofuran a solution of 12.3 g2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-5-carboxylicacid ethyl ester in 120 ml tetrahydrofuran were added at 0° C. The icebath was removed and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperaturefor one hour. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath again and100 ml ethyl acetate were added followed by the addition of 300 mlmethyl-tert.-butyl ether. Then a solution of 10.92 g sodium hydroxide in12.3 ml water was added. Solid precipitates was filtered off through aplug of celite. The filtrate was dried over MgSO4 and then the solventwas removed in vacuo to obtain 11.8 g[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanolas a solid.

C17H21NO5 (319.36), MS (ESI): 320.2 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:1)=0.18).

5-Chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole

2.0 g[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanolwere dissolved in 30 ml dichloromethane and cooled in an ice bath. 0.88ml triethylamine were added, followed by the addition of 0.49 mlmethanesulfonylchloride. The ice bath was removed and the resultingmixture stirred at room temperature over night. The reaction mixture wasthen washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4 and the solventremoved in vacuo to obtain 2.5 g of5-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazoleas an oil which was used without further purification.

C17H20ClNO4 (337.81), MS (ESI): 338.2 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:1)=0.42).

Building Block Synthesis According to Process K:[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanoland methanesulfonic acid2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethylester

2-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino)-3-oxo-butyric Acid Ethyl Ester

A solution of 12.1 g ethyl-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoate² in 100 ml1,2-dichloroethane was added dropwise over 5 hours to a boiling solutionof 9.0 g 4-methoxybenzamide and 1.05 g rhodium(II) acetate dimer in 200ml dry 1,2-dichloroethane. The mixture was refluxed for thirty minutes,allowed to cool, evaporated in vacuo and purified by flashchromatography on silica gel to obtain 11.3 g2-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino)-3-oxo-butyric acid ethyl ester. 2J. Chem.Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 1998, 591-600.

C14H17NO5 (279.30), MS (ESI): 280.2 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:1)=0.32).

2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

23.2 ml Triethylamine and a solution of 11.3 g2-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-3-oxo-butyric acid ethyl ester in 200 mldichloromethane were added sequentially to a stirred solution of 20.5 giodine and 21.2 g triphenylphosphin in 500 ml dry dichloromethane. Thereaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solventwas evaporated in vacuo and the resulting residue purified by flashchromatography on silica gel to obtain 6.0 g2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester aspale yellow solid.

C14H15NO4 (261.28), MS (ESI): 262.2 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=2:1)=0.31).

5-Bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester

To a boiling solution of 6.0 g2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester in100 ml tetrachloro-methane were added portionwise a mixture of 1.51 g2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) and 4.9 g N-bromosuccinimde. Thereaction mixture was refluxed for three hours. The cooled reactionmixture was filtered over a celite pad and the solvent removed in vacuoto obtain 10.6 g of crude5-bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethylester, which contains to some extend the dibrominated byproduct. Thematerial was used without further purification in the next step.

C14H14BrNO4 (340.18), MS (ESI): 340.0 and 342.0 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=2:1)=0.27).

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic Acid EthylEster

8.0 g 5-Bromomethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethylester were dissolved in 50 ml dry dimethylformamide. 7.8 g Silvertrifluoroacetate were added and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for two hours. 30 ml brine were added and the mixture wasstirred for two hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through a padof celite, the solvent removed in vacuo and the resulting residuedissolved in 200 ml ethanol. The mixture was heated to reflux for threehours. Then the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolvedin water and extracted five times with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic layers were dried over MgSO4, the solvent removed in vacuo andthe residue purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (eluting withn-heptane:ethyl acetate=2:3=>ethylacetate) to obtain 4.8 g5-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid ethylester as a solid.

C14H15NO5 (277.28), MS (ESI): 278.1 (M+H⁺), Rf(ethylacetate:n-heptane=1:2)=0.09).

2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylicacid Ethyl ester

4.8 g 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylic acidethyl ester were dissolved in 75 ml dichloromethane. 1.9 ml3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran and 870 mg pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate were addedand the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature over night. Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flashchromatography on silica gel (eluting with n-heptane:ethylacetate=3:1=>1:1) to obtain 5.3 g2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylicacid ethyl ester.

C19H23NO6 (361.40), MS (ESI): 362.2 (M+H⁺), 278.1 (M−THP+H+).

[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanol

5.3 g2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazole-4-carboxylicacid ethyl ester were dissolved in 100 ml tetrahydrofuran and cooled inan ice bath. 21.8 ml of a one molar solution of lithium aluminiumhydride in tetrahydrofuran were added. The cooling bath was removed andthe reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for thirty minutes. Thereaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath again and sequentially added6 ml water, 12 ml 15% NaOH and 18 ml water. After being stirred for onehour at room temperature the reaction mixture was filtered over a pad ofcelite and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was dried over MgSO4and the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flashchromatography on silica gel (eluting with n-heptane:ethylacetate=6:4=>9:1=>ethyl acetate) to obtain 3.0 g[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanol.C17H21NO5 (319.36), MS (ESI): 320.2 (M+H⁺).

Methanesulfonic acid2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethylEster

0.44 g[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanolwere dissolved in 30 ml dichloromethane and cooled in an ice bath. 0.29ml triethylamine were added, followed by the addition of 0.13 mlmethanesulfonylchloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. forone hour then the ice bath was removed and the resulting mixture stirredat room temperature for an additional hour. The reaction mixture wasthen washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4 and the solventremoved in vacuo to obtain 0.55 mg of methanesulfonic acid2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethylester as an oil which was used without further purification.

C18H23NO₇S (397.45), MS (ESI): 398.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 13-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol

10.0 g of 4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-carboxylicacid were dissolved in 50 ml tetrahydrofuran under an atmosphere ofargon. 69.7 ml of boran-tetrahydrofuran complex (1 molar solution intetrahydrofuran) was added and the mixture refluxed for three hours.Water was added to the cooled reaction mixture and the solvent removedin vacuo. The residue was extracted five times with 50 ml portions ofethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried over MgSO4. The solventwas removed in vacuo to obtain 9.3 g of[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol as ayellow solid.

C12H10F₃NOS (273.28), MS (ESI): 274.2 (M+H⁺), Rf=0.21 (n-heptane:ethylacetate=2:1).

5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole

3.0 g of [4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanolwere dissolved in 50 ml dichloromethane, 3.0 ml of triethylamine wereadded followed by the addition of 1.36 ml of methanesulfonylchloride.The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 100ml dichloromethane were added and the mixture washed with saturatedsodium hydrogen carbonate solution, water and brine. The organic layerwas dried over MgSO₄. The solvent was removed in vacuo to obtain 3.3 gof crude 5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazoleas a brown oil.

C12H9CIF3NS (291.72), MS (ESI): 292.2 (M+H⁺).

2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile

560 mg of 5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazolewere dissolved in 10 ml dimethylformamide. 1.2 g of cesium carbonate and395 mg 2-Fluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile was added and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature for three hours. Then 50 ml ofmethyl-tert-butylether was added, the mixture washed with brine anddried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting crudematerial was purified by reversed phase HPLC to obtain 153 mg of2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas amorphous lyophilisate.

C19H12F₄N₂OS (392.38), MS (ESI): 393.1 (M+H⁺).

2-Fluoro-N-hydroxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzamidine

153 mg of2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrilewere dissolved in a mixture of 1 ml tetrahydrofuran and 2 ml methanol.265 mg hydroxylamine hydrochloride was added followed by the addition of0.5 ml triethylamine. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. fortwenty hours. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the resultingresidue poured into water and extracted five times with ethylacetate.The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo to obtain 138 mg of2-Fluoro-N-hydroxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzamidineas crude material.

C19H15F₄N₃O2S (425.41), MS (ESI): 426.1 (M+H⁺).

3-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

138 mg of2-Fluoro-N-hydroxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzamidinewere dissolved in 2 ml dichloromethane. 35 μl pyridine and 53 μlphenylchloroformate were added and the mixture stirred at roomtemperature for thirty minutes. The mixture was diluted by the additionof 20 ml ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried over MgSO4. Thesolvent was evaporated in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in2 ml acetonitrile and 105 μl 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene wasadded. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. Themixture was evaporated in vacuo and the resulting crude material waspurified by reversed phase HPLC to obtain 70 mg3-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-oneas an amorphous lyophilisate.

C20H13F₄N3O3S (451.40), MS (ESI): 452.1 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 23-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 4-Hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C20H14F3N3O3S (433.41), MS (ESI): 434.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 33-{3-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{3-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzonitrile.

C21H16F3N₃O4S (463.44), MS (ESI): 464.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 43-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,24]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C20H13ClF₃N₃O3S (467.86), MS (ESI): 468.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 53-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 4-Mercapto-benzonitrile.

C20H14F₃N₃O2S2 (449.48), MS (ESI): 450.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 63-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C23H19CIF3N3O3S (509.94), MS (ESI): 510.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 73-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example 13-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C22H19CIF5N3O3S2 (567.4), MS (ESI): 568.1 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 83-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-5-onewas obtained from5-Chloromethyl-4-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C19H13CIF5N3O3S2 (525.91), MS (ESI): 526.0 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 93-(4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-benzonitrile

To an iced cooled solution of 1.1 g2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethanol dissolvedin 50 ml dichloromethane were added 0.56 g commercially available2-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile and 0.95 g triphenylphosphine. To thissolution was added dropwise 0.57 ml Diethylazodicarboxylate. The coolingbath was removed and reaction mixture stirred at room temperature forsix hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified byRP-HPLC to provide 400 mg4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-benzonitrileas lyophilisate.

C23H20CIF3N20S (464.94), MS (ESI): 465.2 (M+H⁺).

3-(4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 13-(4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from4-{2-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-chloro-benzonitrile.

C24H21CIF3N3O3S (523.97), MS (ESI): 524.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 103-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzaldehyde

3.2 g 4-Butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole and1.5 g 2-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde were dissolved in 150 mldimethylformamide. 4.7 g cesiumcarbonate were added and the reactionmixture stirred at room temperature for four hours. The reaction mixturewas then diluted by adding 300 ml ethyl acetate and washed three timeswith 50 ml water, saturated NaHCO3 solution and brine. The organic layerwas dried over MgSO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo to provide 3.0 g4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzaldehydeas oil.

C22H19CIF3NO2S (453.91), MS (ESI): 454.4 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=4:1)=0.63.

{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-methanol

3.0 g4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzaldehydewere dissolved in 100 ml methanol and 300 mg sodium borohydride wereadded. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for twohours, then the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolvedin 100 ml ethyl acetate. This solution was washed three times with 30 mlbrine, dried over MgSO4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo to provide3.0 g{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-methanolas pale yellow solid.

C22H21CIF3NO2S (455.93), MS (ESI): 456.4 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=1:1)=0.44.

4-Butyl-5-(3-chloro-4-chloromethyl-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole

3.0 g{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-methanoland 1.84 ml triethylamine were dissolved in 150 ml dichloromethane. Tothis ice cooled solution were added 0.82 ml methanesulfonylchloride. Thecooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature additional three hours. The reaction mixture was washedthree times with 50 ml saturated NaHCO3 solution dried over MgSO4 andthe solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 3.1 g4-Butyl-5-(3-chloro-4-chloromethyl-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazoleas crude material. This material was used without further purification.

C22H20Cl₂F3NOS (474.38), MS (ESI): 476.4 (M+H⁺).

{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-acetonitrile

3.1 g crude4-Butyl-5-(3-chloro-4-chloromethyl-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazolewas dissolved in 50 ml acetonitrile. 2.0 g tetrabutylammonium cyanidewere added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for onehour. Then a mixture of saturated NaHCO3 solution, ice and ethyl acetatewas added. The aqueous phase was separated and extracted three timeswith portions of 30 ml ethylacetate. The combined organic layers werewashed with ice cold water and brine and dried over MgSO4. The solventwas removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatographywith the eluent n-heptane:ethyl acetate=4:1 to provide 2.2 g{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-acetonitrileas oil.

C23H20CIF3N20S (464.94), MS (ESI): 465.5 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=4:1)=0.32.

2-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-N-hydroxy-acetamidine

2.2 g{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-acetonitrilewere dissolved in a mixture of 6 ml tetrahydrofuran and 12 ml methanol.3.3 g hydroxylamine hydrochloride were added followed by the addition of6.6 ml triethylamine. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for twohours. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the resulting residuepoured into water and extracted five times with portions of 30 mlethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO4 andthe solvent was evaporated in vacuo to provide 2.3 g2-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-N-hydroxy-acetamidineas crude material.

C23H23CIF3N₃O2S (497.97), MS (ESI): 498.5 (M+H⁺).

3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

2.3 g crude2-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-N-hydroxy-acetamidinewere dissolved in 30 ml dichloromethane. 0.46 ml pyridine and 0.71 mlphenylchloroformate were added and the mixture stirred at roomtemperature for ten minutes. The mixture was diluted by the addition of150 ml ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried over MgSO4. Thesolvent was evaporated in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in20 ml acetonitrile and 0.70 ml 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene wereadded. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. Themixture was evaporated in vacuo and the resulting crude material waspurified by reversed phase HPLC to obtain 820 mg3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-benzyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneas an amorphous lyophilisate.

C24H21CIF3N3O3S (523.97), MS (ESI): 524.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 113-{2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile

280 mg2-Fluoro-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile(intermediate example 1) were dissolved in 10 ml methanol. 390 mg sodiummethoxide were added and the reaction mixture stirred at a temperatureof 60° C. for two hours. The cooled reaction mixture was diluted byadding 200 ml ethyl acetate and washed three times with portions of 50ml water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and the solvent removedin vacuo to provide 140 mg2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas pale yellow solid.

C20H15F3N2O2S (404.41), MS (ESI): 405.4 (M+H⁺), Rf(n-heptane:ethylacetate=2:1)=0.32.

3-{2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example13-{2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from2-Methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile.

C21H16F3N3O4S (463.44), MS (ESI): 464.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 123-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2-fluoro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C23H19F4N3O3S (493.11), MS (ESI): 494.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 133-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2,6-difluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2,6-difluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 2,6-difluoro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C23H18F5N3O3S (511.10), MS (ESI): 512.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 143-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from4-butyl-5-chloromethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole andcommercially available 4-mercapto-benzonitrile.

C23H20F3N3O2S2 (491.09), MS (ESI): 492.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 153-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile

To a solution of 100 mg of 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethyl benzonitrile in 5ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was added 200 mg of[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol and 0.49 gof cesium carbonate. The resulting mixture was stirred at roomtemperature overnight, poured onto water and extracted with heptane1/ethyl acetate 3. The organic extracts were dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane4/ethyl acetate 1) to give 180 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile.

C23H18F6N20S (484.10), MS (ESI): 485 (M+H⁺).

4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-N-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-benzamidine

To a solution of 180 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrilein 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran and 10 ml of methanol was added 267 mg ofhydroxylamine hydrochloride followed by 0.55 mL of triethylamine. Theresulting mixture was heated to 60° C. overnight. The solvents wereremoved in vacuo, the resulting residue was poured into water andextracted with ethylacetate. The organic extracts were dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure.The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel(heptane 1/ethyl acetate 1) to give 90 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-N-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-benzamidineand 50 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-benzamide.

C23H21F6N3O2S (517.49), MS (ESI): 518 (M+H⁺).

3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 89.3 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-N-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-benzamidinein 2 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane were added 92 μl pyridine followedby 21.6 μl phenylchloroformate dropwise. The resulting mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 1 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo.To a solution of the resulting residue in 2.5 ml of acetonitrile wasadded 88 μl of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. The mixture wasstirred under microwave heating at 180° C. for 10 minutes (or stirred atroom temperature overnight). The solvent was removed in vacuo and thecrude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel(heptane 1/ethyl acetate 1 then dichloromethane 95/methanol 5 followedby another column with dichloromethane 90/acetone 10) to give 65 mg of3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.

C24H19F6N3O3S (543.10), MS (ESI): 544.4 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 163-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 15,3-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol andcommercially available 4-fluoro-2-methyl-benzonitrile.

C24H22F3N3O3S (489.13), MS (ESI): 490.4 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 173-{2-Bromo-4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 15,3-{2-bromo-4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol andcommercially available 2-bromo-4-fluoro-benzonitrile.

C23H19BrF3N₃O3S (553.03), MS (ESI): 554.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 183-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methoxy-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 15,3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methoxy-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol andcommercially available 4-fluoro-2-methoxy-benzonitrile.

C24H22F3N3O4S (505.12), MS (ESI): 506.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 193-{4-[4-But-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 15,3-{4-[4-but-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[4-but-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol andcommercially available 4-fluoro-2-chloro-benzonitrile.

C23H17CIF3N3O3S (507.06), MS (ESI): 508 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 203-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(4-hydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 50 mg of3-{4-[4-but-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onein 2 ml of tetrahydrofuran at 0° C. was added 0.3 ml of a 2M solution ofborane-methylsulfide complex in tetrahydrofuran. The resulting mixturewas stirred allowing it to warm up to room temperature than stirred atroom temperature for 30 minutes. After cooling to 0° C., 0.1 ml of a 5Maqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and 0.1 ml of a 30% aqueoussolution of hydrogen peroxide were added. The resulting mixture wasstirred allowing it to warm up to room temperature over 1 hour. It wasthen poured into water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel(gradient of dichloromethane/methanol from 100/0 to 95/5) followed bycrystallization from dichloromethane/pentane to give 28 mg of3-{2-chloro-4-[4-(4-hydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.

C23H19CIF3N3O4S (525.07), MS (ESI): 526.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 213-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3,4-dihydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a mixture of 189 mg of3-{4-[4-but-3-enyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onein 0.4 ml of tetrahydrofuran, 0.2 ml of water and 0.4 ml of tert-butanolwere added 0.05 ml of a 25% solution of osmium tetroxide in tert-butanoland 76 mg of N-methyl morpholine oxide. The resulting mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 24 hours. It was then poured into asaturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogenocarbonate, extracted withdichloromethane, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel (gradient of dichloromethane/methanol from100/0 to 95/5) to give 32 mg of3-{2-chloro-4-[4-(3,4-dihydroxy-butyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.

C23H19CIF3N3O5S (541.06), MS (ESI): 542.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 225-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-benzonitrile

To a solution of 100 mg of3-{2-bromo-4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onein 4 ml of pyridine was added 29 mg of copper cyanide. The resultingmixture was stirred under microwave heating at 21° C. for 10 minutes,then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken intoethyl acetate, washed with a pH 9 aqueous solution of ammonia, driedover magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by preparative thin layerchromatography on silica gel (dichloromethane 95/methanol 5) andprecipitated from ethyl acetate/diisopropyl ether/pentane to give 9.5 mgof5-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-benzonitrile

C24H19F3N4O3S (500.11), MS (ESI): 501.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 233-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 50 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile(prepared according to the method described in example 1) in 10 ml ofdimethylformamide was added 121 mg of sodium thiomethoxide. Theresulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, then pouredinto water, extracted with diisopropyl ether. The combined organicextracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filteredand concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purifiedby crystallization from diisopropyl ether/heptane to give 350 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C24H22F3N3O3S2 (521.10), MS (ESI): 522.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 243-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfinyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 200 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-benzonitrile(prepared according to the method described in example 23) in 4 ml ofdichloromethane at 0° C. was added 74 mg of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid.The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours then kept in thefreezer overnight. A saturated aqueous solution of sodiumhydrogenocarbonate was added and the organic layer was separated. Theaqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined extractswere dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure to give 203 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfinyl-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfinyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C24H22F3N3O4S2 (537.10), MS (ESI): 538.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 253-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methanesulfonyl-}phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 200 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methylsulfanyl-benzonitrile(prepared according to the method described in example 23) in 20 ml ofdichloromethane at 0° C. was added 149 mg of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid.The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours than 1 hour atroom temperature. After adding another 75 mg of meta-chloroperbenzoic,the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Asaturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogenocarbonate was added andthe organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted withdichloromethane. The combined extracts were dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 210 mgof4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methanesulfonyl-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methanesulfonyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C24H22F3N3O5S2 (553.09), MS (ESI): 554.1 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 263-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethanesulfinyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 200 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-benzonitrile(prepared according to the method described in example 14) in 4 ml ofdichloromethane at 0° C. was added 80 mg of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid.The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 5 hours, at roomtemperature for 2 hours than kept in the fridge overnight. A saturatedaqueous solution of sodium hydrogenocarbonate was added and the organiclayer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted withdichloromethane. The combined extracts were dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (gradient of1 to 4% acetone/dichloromethane) to give 185 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfinyl]-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethanesulfinyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C23H20F3N3O3S2 (507.09), MS (ESI): 508 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 273-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfonyl]-phenyl}-4H[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 200 mg of4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-benzonitrile(prepared according to the method described in example 14) in 4 ml ofdichloromethane at 0° C. was added 200 mg of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid.The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 5 hours. A saturatedaqueous solution of sodium hydrogenocarbonate was added and the organiclayer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted withdichloromethane. The combined extracts were dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 225 mgof4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfonyl]-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethanesulfonyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C23H20F3N3O4S2 (523.08), MS (ESI): 522 (M−H⁺)

EXAMPLE 283-{4-[4-Butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 2.255 g of[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazole-5-yl]-methanol in 25 mlof dimethylformamide was added 0.286 g of a 60% dispersion of sodiumhydride in mineral oil. After stirring for 15 minutes, 3 g of4-bromomethyl-2-fluoro-benzonitrile was added. The resulting mixture wasstirred at room temperature overnight, then poured into water, extractedwith diisopropyl ether. The combined organic extracts were washed withwater, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel (heptane 95/ethyl acetate 5) to give 0.6 gof4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile,which was transformed into3-{4-[4-butyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C24H21F4N3O3S (507.12), MS (ESI): 508.3 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 293-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example284-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-benzonitrilewas obtained from[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanol andcommercially available 4-bromomethyl-benzonitrile.4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-benzonitrilewas transformed into3-{4-[4-Methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C21H16F3N3O3S (447.74), MS (ESI): 448(M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 303-[4-(2-Biphenyl-4-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-2-chloro-phenyl]-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-[4-(2-Biphenyl-4-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-2-chloro-phenyl]-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from 4-iodomethyl-5-methyl-2-p-biphenyloxazole andcommercially available 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C25H18CIN3O4 (459.89), MS (ESI): 460(M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 313-{2-Chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{2-Chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from 4-iodomethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C20H16CIN3O5 (413.82), MS (ESI): 414 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 323-(2-Chloro-4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 9,2-Chloro-4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorsuifanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzonitrilewas obtained from2-[5-Methyl-2-(4-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethanol andcommercially available 2-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.2-Chloro-4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-pentafluorsulfanyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzonitrilewas transformed into3-(2-Chloro-4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-oneaccording to the method described in example 1.

C20H15CIF5N3O3S2 (439.93), MS (ESI): 540(M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 333-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

2-Chloro-4-[4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile

3.0 g5-(Chloromethyl)-4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)methyl]-2-[4-(trifluormethyl)phenyl]-1,3-thiazole(synthesis is described in WO2002/067912) thiazole were dissolved in 100ml dimethylformamide. 5.0 g of cesium carbonate and 1.53 g2-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile were added and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature overnight. Then 300 ml of ethylacetate were added, themixture washed three times with saturated NaHCO3 solution and brine thendried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed in vacuo to obtain 4.1 g ofcrude2-Chloro-4-[4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas yellow oil. This material was used without further purification.

C24H20CIF3N2O3S (508,95), MS (ESI): 509.1 (M+H⁺), 425.1 (M−THP+H+).

2-Chloro-4-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile

4.1 g2-Chloro-4-[4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethy)-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrilewere dissolved in 50 ml methanol. 320 mg p-toluenesulfonic acidmonohydrate were added and the mixture was stirred for one hour atroomtemperature. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue wasdissolved in ethylacetate and washed twice with saturated NaHCO3solution and brine then dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed invacuo to obtain 3.4 g2-Chloro-4-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas pale yellow solid.

C19H12CIF3N2O2S (424.83), MS (ESI): 425.1 (M+H⁺),Rf(n-heptan:Ethylacetate=1:1)=0.27.

Methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylEster

1.8 g2-Chloro-4-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrilewere suspended in 50 ml dichloromethane and cooled in an ice bath. 0.39ml methanesulfonylchloride and 0.89 ml triethylamine were added. Theresulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for one hour then washed withwater and brine, dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed in vacuo toobtain 1.0 g methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylester as pale yellow solid.

C20H14CIF3N2O4S2 (502.92), MS (ESI): 503.1 (M+H).

2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethyl-benzonitrile

120 mg Methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylester were dissolved in 5 ml methanol. 12.9 mg sodium methoxide wereadded and the mixture stirred at 50° C. for one hour. The reactionmixture was diluted by addition of 50 ml ethyl acetate, washed with onemolar hydrochloric acid then dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removedin vacuo and the residue purified by RP-HPLC to provide 30 mg of2-chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas lyophilisate.

C20H14CIF3N2O2S (438.86), MS (ESI): 439.1 (M+H).

3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile.

C21H15CIF3N3O4S (497.88), MS (ESI): 498.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 343-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile

120 mg Methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylester were dissolved in 5 ml 2-methoxyethanol. 10.0 mg sodium hydridewere added and the mixture stirred at 50° C. for one hour. The reactionmixture was diluted by addition of 50 ml ethyl acetate, washed withbrine then dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed in vacuo and theresidue purified by RP-HPLC to provide 30 mg of2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrileas lyophilisate.

C22H18CIF3N2O3S (482.91), MS (ESI): 483.1 (M+H).

3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1,3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-benzonitrile.

C23H19CIF3N3O5S (541.94), MS (ESI): 542.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 353-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1 and 34,3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylester and 2-ethoxy-ethanol.

C24H21CIF3N3O5S (555.96), MS (ESI): 556.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 363-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 1 and 34,3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from methanesulfonic acid5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenoxymethyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-4-ylmethylester and 3-methoxy-1-propanol.

C24H21CIF3N3O5S (555.96), MS (ESI): 556.3 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 373-{4-[5-Methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 33,3-{4-[5-Methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-Fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile.

C22H21N3O6 (423.43), MS (ESI): 424.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 383-{4-[5-(2-Methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[5-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile and2-methoxy-ethanol.

C24H25N3O7 (467.48), MS (ESI): 468.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 393-{4-[4-Methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 33,3-{4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile.

C22H21N3O6 (423.43), MS (ESI): 424.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 403-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile and2-methoxy-ethanol.

C24H25N3O7 (467.48), MS (ESI): 468.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 413-{4-[4-(2-Ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile and2-ethoxy-ethanol.

C25H27N3O7 (481.51), MS (ESI): 482.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 423-{4-[2-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile and3-methoxy-propan-1-ol.

C25H27N3O7 (481.51), MS (ESI): 482.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 433-{4-[4-Ethoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[4-ethoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile and ethanol.

C23H23N3O6 (437.46), MS (ESI): 438.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 443-{4-[4-Benzyloxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 15 and example 34,3-{4-[4-benzyloxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile andphenyl-methanol.

C28H25N3O6 (499.53), MS (ESI): 500.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 453-{2-Chloro-4-[5-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 1 and example 33,3-{2-chloro-4-[5-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from methanesulfonic acid2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethylester and commercially available 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C21H18CIN3O6 (443.85), MS (ES I): 444.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 463-{2-Chloro-4-[5-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 1 and example 34,3-{2-chloro-4-[5-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from methanesulfonic acid2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethylester and commercially available 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile and2-methoxyethanol.

C23H22CIN3O7 (487.90), MS (ESI): 488.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 473-{2-Chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 1 and example 33,3-{2-chloro-4-[4-methoxymethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from5-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazoleand commercially available 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

C21H18CIN3O6 (443.85), MS (ESI): 444.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 483-{2-Chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in example 1 and example 34,3-{2-chloro-4-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-propoxymethyl)-oxazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from5-chloromethyl-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-oxazoleand commercially available 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile and3-methoxy-propan-1-ol.

C24H24CIN3O7 (501.93), MS (ESI): 502.2 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 493-{5-Bromo-2-methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 100 mg of3-{2-methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onein 1 ml of acetonitrile was added 0.08 g of N-bromosuccinimide. Theresulting mixture was heated to 70° C. overnight, concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel (gradient of dichloromethane/methanol from100/0 to 94/6) and washed with 94/6 dichloromethane/methanol to give 35mg of3-{5-bromo-2-methoxy-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.

C21H15BrF3N3O4S (542.33), MS (ESI): 542.0 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 503-{4-[4-(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

According to the method described in Example 15,3-{4-[4-(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onewas obtained from[4-(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]-methanoland commercially available 2-chloro-4-fluoro-benzonitrile.

C29H23CIF3N3O4S (602.03), MS (ESI): 602.2 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 513-[2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-hydroxy-Propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxyl]-phenyl]-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 200 mg of3-{4-[4-(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-chloro-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-onein 6 ml of dichloromethane cooled to −70° C. was added 0.8 mL of a 1 Msolution of boron tribromide in dichloromethane. After stirring for 45minutes at −60° C., the solution was poured into a mixture of methanoland a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogenocarbonate, filteredand concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purifiedby column chromatography on silica gel (gradient ofdichloromethane/methanol from 100/0 to 90/10) then crystallized fromdichloromethane/diisopropylether to give 18 mg of3-{2-chloro-4-[4-(3-hydroxy-propyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one.

C22H17CIF3N3O4S (511.91), MS (ESI): 512.1 (M+H⁺)

1. A method for the treatment of fatty acid metabolism and glucoseutilization disorders comprising the administration of one or morecompounds of formula I

wherein: X is CH₂ or a bond; R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,(C₀-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H, SCH₃, S(O)CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃, CN, OCF₃,OCHF₂, OCH₂F; Z is a bond or CH₂; Y is O, S, S(O) or S(O)₂; W is CH₂ orCH₂CH₂; V is N and U is selected from the group consisting of S or O; orU is N and V is selected from the group consisting of S or O. R5 isselected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H, (C₀-C₆)alkylen-phenyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylen-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylen-phenyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl,(C₂-C₈)alkenyl, and where (C₁-C₈)alkyl or alkylen can be substituted 1-2times by OH or O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected fromthe group consisting of H, F, Br, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₀-C₄)alkylen-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylen-H, SCF3, SF5, OCF₂—CHF2, OCHF2, OCH₂F,O-phenyl, phenyl, NO2; as well as their isomers, tautomers andpharmaceutically acceptable salts
 2. A method for the treatment diabetesmellitus including the prevention of the physical manifestationsassociated therewith comprising the administration of one or morecompounds of formula I as recited in claim 1 in combination with otherpharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 3. A method for the treatmentand/or prevention of dyslipidemias and the physical manifestationsthereof comprising the administration of one or more compounds offormula I as recited in claim 1 in combination with otherpharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 4. A method for the treatmentand/or prevention of conditions which may be associated with themetabolic syndrome and the physical manifestations thereof comprisingthe administration of one or more of the compounds of formula I asrecited in claim
 1. 5. A method for the treatment and/or prevention ofneurodegenerative diseases and/or demyelinating disorders of the centraland peripheral nervous systems and/or neurological diseases involvingneuroinflammatory processes and/or other peripheral neuropathiescomprising the administration of one or more compounds of formula I asrecited in claim 1 in combination with one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients.
 6. A method for the treatment and/or preventionof neurodegenerative diseases and/or demyelinating disorders of thecentral and peripheral nervous systems and/or neurological diseasesinvolving neuro-inflammatory processes and/or other peripheralneuropathies comprising the administration of one or more compounds offormula I as recited in claim 1 in combination with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 7. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising one or more compounds of formula I as recited in claim 1 incombination with at least one anti-diabetic for the treatment ofmetabolic disorders.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one ormore compounds of formula I as recited in claim 1 in combination with atleast one anti-diabetic for the treatment of metabolic and centralnervous system disorders.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising oneor more compounds of formula I as recited in claim 1 in combination withone or more lipid modulators for the treatment and/or prevention offatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization disorders.
 10. A methodfor the treatment and/or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and/ordemyelinating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systemsand/or neurological diseases involving neuroinflammatory processesand/or other peripheral neuropathies comprising the administration ofone or more compounds of formula I as recited in claim 1 in combinationwith one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 11. A methodfor the treatment and/or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and/ordemyelinating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systemsand/or neurological diseases involving neuroinflammatory processesand/or other peripheral neuropathies comprising the administration ofone or more compounds of formula I as recited in claim 6 in combinationwith one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 12. A methodfor the modulation of the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activatedreceptors (PPAR) comprising the administration of one or more compoundsof formula I

wherein: X is CH₂ or a bond; R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,(C₀-C₄)alkylene-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylene-H, SCH₃, S(O)CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃, CN, OCF₃,OCHF₂, OCH₂F; Z is a bond or CH₂; Y is O, S, S(O) or S(O)₂; W is CH₂ orCH₂CH₂; V is N and U is selected from the group consisting of S or O; orU is N and V is selected from the group consisting of S or O. R5 isselected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylene-O—(C0-C₄)alkylene-H, (C₀-C₆)alkylen-phenyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylen-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylen-phenyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl,(C₂-C₈)alkenyl, and where (C₁-C₈)alkyl or alkylen can be substituted 1-2times by OH or O—(C₁-C₄)alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected fromthe group consisting of H, F, Br, CF3, OCF3, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₀-C₄)alkylen-O—(C₀-C₄)alkylen-H, SCF3, SF5, OCF2-CHF2, OCHF2, OCH2F,O-phenyl, phenyl, NO2; as well as their isomers, tautomers andpharmaceutically acceptable salts
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein thecompound of formula I activates PPARdelta and PPARalpha receptors. 14.The method of claim 13 wherein the compound of formula I is a PPARdeltaagonist.